Rear Adm. Lester Ortiz is a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez where he earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and completed Joint Public Military Education I at the U.S. Naval War College. He commissioned in 1998 to the Civil Engineer Corps through the direct commission program. Prior to commissioning in the Navy, Ortiz served six years as a reservist in the Marine Corps assigned to 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group.

His operational tours include detachment officer in charge, communications officer and training officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14; assistant training-readiness officer, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment; operations officer and executive officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27. His contingency tours include mobilizations as Communications Officer, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment in support Operation Enduring Freedom and officer in charge of construction, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Forward in support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His staff assignments include training action officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Headquarters; officer in charge for the Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Recovery Business Line and Reserve Component Contingency Engineering Response Team, Naval Facilities Contingency Engineering Unit; executive officer, J45 Theater Contingency Engineering Management unit, U.S. Southern Command; officer in charge for the Navy Reserve U.S. European Command J4 unit; and Naval Construction Force Reserve Component Adviser, Naval Construction Group 2.

Ortiz previously held command at Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 and 7th Naval Construction Regiment. He is a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a qualified Seabee combat warfare officer and Fleet Marine Force officer.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 14 January 2026