U.S. Navy Adm. Maria L. “Lore” Aguayo, a Tempe native, retired after 31 years of military service on Aug. 2, following a successful tour as commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
Aguayo was the first woman to lead the command and the 34th commander overall, according to a press release. She was “dual-hatted,” serving also as the U.S. Fleet Forces civil engineer and director of fleet installations and environment.
Taking over the reins at NAVFAC in 2021, Aguayo assumed additional duties during her tenure within USFF Command, better aligning the needs of the fleet with the services provided by NAVFAC.
A proud immigrant, Aguayo’s mother and father — also an engineer — brought their children to the U.S. from Mexico for greater opportunities.
The Marco de Niza high school alum and Tempe native knew early she wanted to give back to the country that embraced her, the release explained.
“There aren’t many countries that a little girl who had to take ESL, English as a second language, in elementary school just to pass first and second grade, can one day retire from the Navy as a Rear Admiral,” Aguayo said in the release.