When Yeoman 1st Class Ricardo Mejicano recently submitted his active duty definite recall package, he was expecting to assume a traditional administrative role. However, the arrival of his package coincided with the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Suddenly, Mejicano was thrust into an entirely new and challenging role — managing the brand new Distributed Mobilization (DM) program at Reserve Component Command (RCC) Fort Worth, Texas.
“My previous work experience has been in a more traditional setting as a yeoman,” said Mejicano. “I have never worked with managing mobilizations before now.”
A new concept put into action as a quicker way to process mass mobilizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Distributed Mobilization allows Reserve Sailors to be mobilized through their local Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC) instead of the normal first stop for mobilization processing at the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command (ECRC) in Norfolk, Virginia.
Mejicano said despite having a lot to learn and being in unfamiliar territory, he saw his new mission as yet another opportunity to excel.
“When I see something challenging … I take that head on,” said Mejicano. “I think the unknown quality of this billet was intimidating, but I was confident in overcoming the challenge.”
Mejicano, a native of Tyler, Texas, is no stranger to learning new things. He initially served four years on active duty as a logistics specialist at Aviation Support Division Misawa, Japan, before completing his enlistment and joining the Reserve as a yeoman. From there, he used his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to earn a degree in multimedia marketing and production, and also spent time working at a radio station.
According to Mejicano, taking on new challenges at work gets him out of his comfort zone and helps him learn new skills. But even outside of work, Mejicano seeks to challenge himself and avoid complacency. It is a trait he credits the Navy with helping him develop.
“I think it started in high school. I never had a clear direction, and I always sat around on things I should have made a priority,” said Mejicano. “It wasn’t until I became used to the military way of life I realized I had this potential to really succeed.” On orders so far, Mejicano has assisted in the mobilization of over 7,200 Reserve Sailors. In addition to learning the new process, he hopes to be able to set future Distributed Mobilization program managers up for continued success. “I want to lay a solid foundation for those who come after me,” said Mejicano. “I want to make sure that those after me have the necessary information and tools provided to them by the work we are doing now.”
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.
Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.
Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.
Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.
Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.
Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.
Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.