A Commissioning Ceremony of IT1  Justin Blanco, United States Navy was held on Thursday, Aug 31, 2023

 Blanco, a native of Okeechobee, began his military career in 2009, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, he reported to Information Systems Technician ‘A’ School in Pensacola.

Following graduation from ‘A’ school, he reported to his first command aboard USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), where he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. He advanced to First Class Petty Officer in 2015 and was selected to commission as a Limited Duty Officer within the Information Professional Community in 2022.

His operational tours include duty as Communications Watch Officer aboard USS James E. Williams (DDG 95); Department Leading Petty Officer, SEAL Team ONE N6, J6 Department Head, Task Force 3.2; Tactical Communicator, and Task Force 3.

His shore duty tours include Leading Petty Officer, Navy Operations Center, Chief of Naval Operations, Leading Petty Office & ISWO, and Naval Computer Telecommunications Station Bahrain.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) as well as numerous unit and campaign awards.