MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy sailors from across the fleet are headed to Missouri for Branson / Springfield Navy Week, Aug. 25 to 31, to volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Ozarks.
While many of the sailors are from all over the country, this Navy Week will carry special meaning for visiting sailors from the state, including Chief Petty Officer Andrew Hamm, a native of Butler, Missouri.
Hamm graduated from Butler High School in 2005. Additionally, Hamm is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in technical studies from Thomas Edison State University and is expected to graduate in January 2026. Upon joining the Navy, Hamm quickly found that many of the skills and values forged in Butler were the same as those needed to succeed in the Navy.
"I learned growing up to treat people well," Hamm said. "Midwest nice is something that not everyone experiences growing up. I also learned that sacrificing your time to help others when they need it goes a long way in earning their respect."
Hamm, who joined the Navy 19 years ago, is assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG) Norfolk. Hamm's previous commands included USS Chafee, USS Bulkeley, U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Romania and AEGIS Training and Readiness Center.
"I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure about what I wanted to do after high school, and at the time, I knew that college wasn't for me," Hamm said. "My grandpa is also retired Navy, so I decided to give it a try."
Hamm is part of the first Navy Week to be hosted by the Springfield and Branson communities. Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.
"The Navy does a wide variety of missions around the world, and in many areas without a Navy presence, there isn't always an understanding of what we do," Hamm said. "These events allow us to engage with the community about what we actually do and why it's important."
Today, Hamm serves as a fire controlman (AEGIS).
"My days are spent training sailors in the area on air and ballistic missile defense operations," Hamm said. "This allows me to share my experience with the next generation of sailors as they prepare to deploy."
Hamm has had many opportunities to excel in the Navy, including earning a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, six Navy Good Conduct Medals and various unit, campaign and service awards. However, Hamm's proudest accomplishment was during his promotion to chief petty officer.
"My proudest accomplishment is when my grandpa pinned me to chief petty officer," Hamm said.
Hamm is grateful for the Butler community and for those who helped make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my family for their support and understanding over the last 19 years," Hamm said.
Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to communities like Springfield and Branson.
“From securing shipping lanes to deterring threats across the globe, the U.S. Navy has safeguarded our freedoms for 250 years,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Ninety percent of global trade moves by sea, and the Navy ensures goods, energy, and critical resources reach American businesses and families. Navy Weeks bring the fleet to communities that may not see or interact with the Navy every day, giving Americans the chance to meet the sailors who stand watch 24/7—from the depths of the ocean to space, cyberspace and beyond. We’re excited to bring this experience to Springfield and Branson, and connect the community with their Navy’s essential role in defending our way of life.”
Throughout the week, sailors will participate in community service projects with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Springfield, Ozark Food Harvest, Convoy of Hope, Springfield Community Gardens and Dickerson Zoo. They will also engage with local students through STEM-focused sessions and presentations at Truman Elementary, School of the Ozarks and Branson High School. Navy Band Great Lakes will perform live at venues across the city, bringing Navy pride and energy to the Branson/Springfield community.
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Springfield-Branson-2025/