Rear Adm. Lester Ortiz, a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in engineering management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I from U.S. Naval War College. Prior to joining the Navy, Ortiz served six years as a Marine reservist assigned to 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group. In 1998 he was commissioned to the Civil Engineer Corps through the direct commission program.

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: 11 February 2026