CLDJ's Sailor in the Spotlight LS2 Christopher Sanchez

Sanchez provided 24/7 support to the USS Indianapolis and ensured that equipment replacements and repairs were expedited earning him a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

“To be recognized gives me a sense of accomplishment,” said Sanchez. “It’s fulfilling to know I’m supporting a mission, ensuring ships are able to get underway to support 5th and 6th Fleet Operations.”

As a logistic support representative assigned to CLDJ’s Supply Department’s Logistic Support Center, Sanchez provides logistic support for incoming ships arriving to the Port of Djibouti with personnel movements, cargo movements, expediting high requisitions, and casualty repair parts.

Directly providing logistical support to U.S. vessels at the Port of Djibouti contributes to CLDJ’s mission of enabling maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa.

“Sanchez consistently displays a strong work ethic, stands out as a proactive learner, and actively participates to ensure mission success,” said Lt. Daria Vasko, CLDJ’s Supply Department’s Logistic Support Center officer in charge. “His dedication to around the clock support further reinforces why he deserves this NAM.”

Sanchez enlisted into the Navy in 2016 and is currently stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. He volunteered to deploy to Camp Lemonnier with the intent to better his career and further his education.

“I came here to force myself to engage because my career was stagnant,” said Sanchez. “Volunteering was the first step to better my career and myself.”

Sanchez is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in General Education and plans on earning his Bachelors of Business Administration in Information Technology Management.

“My goal is to stay career driven and take advantage of all the resources I have to open as many doors as possible,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez encourages junior enlisted Sailors to pursue their goals and take initiative in planning for their future.

“The hardest part of a new journey is not necessarily finding out what you want to do,” said Sanchez. “The hardest part is to start your journey, and make it your priority to accomplish your goals.”