Jackson Native participates in 2018 Fleet Week Port Everglades

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.– It was a dark, smoke-filled room at Resolve Marine Training Facility in Fort Lauderdale. The clock is ticking as Jackson, Michigan native Zachary Wyers searches for a simulated fire victim during a search and rescue evolution at the damage control Olympics competition May 1, 2018.  Wyers is a U.S. Navy Sailor and Jackson, Michigan native visiting the area in support of Fleet Week Port Everglades.

Damage Controlman Fireman Zachary Wyers is a graduate of Napoleon High School in 2014. He joined the U.S. Navy to see the world and meet new people. He was influenced by his grandfather who served in the Vietnam War and retired as a master chief petty officer.

He is currently assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and has had the opportunity to support three Navy Fleet Week events in New Orleans, New York City, and Port Everglades.

“The best part of participating in Fleet Week events is seeing how people live life in different places, and trying the different types of food,” said Wyers.

Wyers may have joined the Navy only two years ago, but he has lots of aspirations. His future goals include a promotion to petty officer third class and to graduate from college with a business management degree.

Fleet Week Port Everglades provides an opportunity for the citizens of South Florida to witness first-hand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services, and gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States.