When he was 18 years old, a young Lawrence “LP” Moroles asked his recruiter for the shortest enlistment term, and he got back, “Four years.” That made the young man pause. “It was almost a deal-breaker,” Moroles said, about three decades later. “That’s too much of my life. I’m not sure I want to commit for four years.”

Four years turned into a career of more than 28 years of service with the United States Coast Guard — a career that came to a close on June 11 inside the hangar at Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles.

With several members of his family in the audience, including his wife Christy and three children (Nicholas, Amber and Miguel), along with dozens of friends and co-workers, “LP” thanked them for support during his tenure. “I’m still fearless, just a little slower,” said Moroles, a Sequim resident who retires as Master Chief. “It’s been an epic journey and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Moroles assumed the duties as Port Angeles Command Master Chief in August 2013. As the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer, he advised on enlisted workforce policies and acted as a sounding board for enlisted administrative actions.

Moroles’ previous assignments include Coast Guard Station Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif.; Air Station Kodiak, Alaska; two tours at Air Station Sacramento, Calif.; two tours at Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, and most recently the Air Station Port Angeles.

Moroles is one of just 25 members of the U.S. Coast Guard to be an Aviation Maintenance Technician Master Chief.