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| Seaman Austin Klug, from Cedarburg, Wis., signals to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a replenishment at sea. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/Released) |
Rank: Petty Officer 1st Class
Rating (job): Cryptologic Technician Collection.
Years in Navy: 11
Current Duty Location: Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola
Reason for joining Navy: “I joined the military to travel the world, experience other cultures and meet new people from all backgrounds,” said Klug. “I also joined for education because I was not ready for college at the time I joined.”
Favorite part of job: “My favorite part of my job is the non-stop learning opportunities to improve my tradecraft,” said Klug. “The job at times can be difficult, but very rewarding.”
Proudest accomplishment: Earning silver dolphins (submarine warfare qualification). “It was an extremely demanding process,” said Klug. “For two months on deployment, I got roughly three-to-four hours of sleep a night while working on the qualification. Along with studying I also worked 12-hour shifts. I am extremely proud to be qualified in submarines, which is one of the most exclusive qualifications in the Navy and military.”
Military history: “My late Grandfather was in the Army for four years and my cousin was in the Army for 10 years,” said Klug. “My younger brother, Zachary, is currently at basic training for the Army. He will be a cavalry scout.”
Mentor: “My older brother, Dylan, is my mentor,” said Klug. “He is my best friend, and I am constantly learning from him and trying to emulate the amazing person he is.”
Memories of hometown: “I miss being surrounded by my family,” said Klug. “It’s difficult taking leave to go home for a couple weeks knowing you have to leave again and might not see loved ones until the next year or possibly longer. I also miss walking downtown with my brother, eating at the various restaurants, going to the public market, and strolling down the river walk.”
Navy Week: “I look forward to community outreach and sharing my stories and listening to others tell theirs,” said Klug.
Shoutouts: “I’d like to send shoutouts to my mother and stepfather (Susan and Scott Prinsen), my brothers (Connor Klug, Dylan Weber, Keagan Berndt, Zachary Klug, Aiden Berndt), my stepmother (Lisa Berndt), my niece (Signe Weber), and my favorite Sports Teams (The Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Admirals).