Success Story

The sea has always been a central force in Noel Meza’s life, tracing back to his childhood in Martinez, California, a small town east of San Francisco. There, he learned to sail at an early age, even racing yachts with friends during his teenage years. So, it’s no surprise that he eventually joined the Navy, serving in crucial operations around the world, including multiple dangerous deployments in Iraq.

While in the Navy, Noel specialized in welding as part of his A School training—a skill and labor of love that would later prove invaluable in his current role with MSC as a Deck Engineer Machinist (DMach). In this role, he is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating deck machinery, Underway Replenishment (UNREP) machinery, and material handling equipment. Before becoming a DMach, Noel began his MSC career as a Wiper, an entry-level position in the engine room, and then progressed to an Engine Utilityman role. He achieved all of this over the course of four years while stationed on the USS Hershel Williams.

Prior to joining MSC, Noel worked for BAE San Francisco as a Quality Assurance Manager. This post-Navy experience introduced him to a variety of CIVMAR careers aligned with his skills and experience, reigniting his passion for the sea.“We always had MSC ships at my yard,” Noel says, “and I would often talk with many of the engineers about it. When my yard closed, I decided to get my credentials and make the transition back to sea.”

It was a decision that improved his life professionally, personally, and financially. Thanks to MSC’s excellent pay and benefits, Noel was able to purchase his dream home in Pueblo, Colorado, where he enjoys some of the country’s best hunting and fishing—a favorite pastime while on leave. It also gives him a place to start a family with his girlfriend, and they’re currently awaiting the arrival of their first child.

Noel admits that pursuing a career as a CIVMAR with MSC has opened doors he never imagined. He believes that his military training and experience helped him secure a career path that’s a perfect fit, and he’s confident that the hands-on approach and on-the-job training will appeal to others from a military background, where learning means doing. “Working in the engine room plant or on deck equipment like I do takes a lot of knowledge and experience,” he says. “The learning never stops. Thankfully, the Maritime Institute in Norfolk offers excellent classes that help with the process, but in my opinion, the best way to learn is to put your hands on the equipment.”

Beyond the quality-of-life differences between an MSC ship and a Navy vessel, Noel’s time with MSC has allowed him to experience the world in ways he never could in the Navy. Describing his life at sea with MSC as fun, adventurous, and fulfilling, Noel adds that “no two days are ever the same.” He’s seen parts of the world and done things he never imagined, from spending weeks exploring his favorite city, Rome, to learning about various cultures in Africa to attending a football (soccer) match in Malta. He knows that none of these life-changing experiences would have been possible in a landlocked career.

“Traveling to new parts of the world isn’t new for me, but immersing myself in new cultures has been,” Noel says. World travel is one thing, but Noel has also found that living and working aboard brings other joys. When he’s not working hard as a DMACH, he builds friendships with fellow CIVMARS and enjoys the various amenities available on the ship.

“After working hours, I either type up emails, hit the gym, or relax with a movie,” he says. “Socializing can sometimes revolve around these activities or by joining in on game nights or movie nights.”

Each day at sea with MSC reminds Noel of when he first felt the powerful pull of the ocean. He was 19, a new Navy recruit living on an aircraft carrier 150 miles out at sea, captivated by the sun rising and setting across the vast open waters.

“I was scared at first,” he recalls, “but as time went on, I knew this was better than being stuck in traffic, heading to some dead-end job for no reason.” Nearly two decades later, Noel is still mesmerized by the waves as he builds a future for himself and his new family, doing a job he loves and respects.