Senior Chief Petty Officer Kevin Lambert, a native of Central Islip, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in support of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.
Lambert joined the Navy 26 years ago. Today, Lambert serves as a construction mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and for the opportunities the military provides,” said Lambert.
Growing up in Central Islip, Lambert attended Central Islip High School and graduated in 1996. Today, Lambert relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Central Islip to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to be resilient,” said Lambert. "That's helped me when faced with obstacles or tough times in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Lambert while serving with the Navy.
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was established in 2006 and is comprised of 20,000 active and reserve personnel serving around the world. They bridge the gap between sea and shore and support the fleet and joint force by clearing hazards, securing critical maritime terrain, building infrastructure, and protecting military forces. NECC includes Navy divers, expeditionary logistics, explosive ordnance disposal, expeditionary intelligence, and the Seabees.
“In many warfare communities across the Navy, there is a lot of focus on platforms and systems – ships, submarines, and aircraft, which are all a very integral part of our maritime force,” said NECC Force Master Chief Rick Straney. “For us in the expeditionary forces, our people are our weapons system. They represent an inherently mobile option for commanders to use around the world in a variety of complex, remote, and austere environments. We focus a lot of our effort on ensuring our warriors maintain a level of proficiency and readiness that enhances the ability of those larger platforms to do what they do at the time and point of need.”
Serving in the Navy means Lambert is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy supports sea power,” said Lambert. "We defend at sea and keep the adversaries at bay, so that the homeland stays safe."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Lambert and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is being the senior enlisted leader chosen to lead the Navy's inaugural detail during the 2020 presidential inauguration,” said Lambert.
As Lambert and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” added Lambert. "It gave me structure and allowed me to support my family. I've learned a lot of life lessons along the way. Additionally, it allowed me to create a second family that I know I can rely on."