Navy Veteran Receives Long-Overdue Retirement Ceremony Aboard USS Midway

Gerardo Soriano, a Storekeeper First Class, was honored for his 20 years of service in the Navy despite battling stage four cancer.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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After 20 years of service in the Navy, including nearly 13 years at sea, retired Storekeeper First Class Gerardo Soriano finally received the formal retirement ceremony he earned. The ceremony took place aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, with high-ranking Navy officials in attendance to honor Soriano's lifetime of service, mentorship, and dedication.

Why it matters

Soriano's story highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the service of military veterans, even if the formal ceremonies are delayed. The fact that this ceremony was held despite Soriano's terminal cancer diagnosis underscores the Navy's commitment to its sailors and the significance of providing a proper sendoff, no matter the circumstances.

The details

Soriano joined the Navy at the age of 25 in Subic Bay, Philippines, where he was one of only three selected out of more than 500 applicants. Over the course of his 20-year career, he served on six ships and spent nearly 13 years at sea, mentoring younger sailors and setting the standard for those who came after him.

  • Gerardo Soriano joined the Navy in Subic Bay, Philippines at the age of 25.
  • Soriano served in the Navy for 20 years, including nearly 13 years at sea.
  • Soriano's long-overdue retirement ceremony was held on February 23, 2026 aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

The players

Gerardo Soriano

A retired Storekeeper First Class who served in the Navy for 20 years, including nearly 13 years at sea, and was recently honored with a formal retirement ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum despite his terminal cancer diagnosis.

USS Midway Museum

A historic warship in San Diego, California that hosted Gerardo Soriano's long-overdue retirement ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“It means the world to our family to do this for him.”

— Soriano's son (10news.com)

The takeaway

Soriano's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and recognizing the service of military veterans, even if the formal ceremonies are delayed. The fact that this ceremony was held despite Soriano's terminal cancer diagnosis underscores the Navy's commitment to its sailors and the significance of providing a proper sendoff, no matter the circumstances.