SEATTLE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Austin, a native of Castle Rock, Colorado, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
Austin graduated from Douglas County High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Castle Rock.
“Growing up, I learned that everyone has their own piece of the puzzle,” said Austin. “No one has the answers for everything, but everyone has an answer that can help the team accomplish their goal. This value helped me be more open to ideas, recommendations and suggestions, rather than be close-minded.”
Austin joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Austin serves as a retail services specialist.
“I wanted to do something different, and I needed direction since I did not know what I wanted to do after graduation from high school,” said Austin. “Also, since both my grandfathers served in the military, I thought I’d like to follow their footsteps.”
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Austin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of becoming a leading petty officer for my division,” said Austin. “This allows me to help others and assist those in need while guiding people down the right path.”
Austin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I am part of something bigger than myself while gaining life experiences that most don’t get a chance to experience,” said Austin.
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
Austin graduated from Douglas County High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Castle Rock.
“Growing up, I learned that everyone has their own piece of the puzzle,” said Austin. “No one has the answers for everything, but everyone has an answer that can help the team accomplish their goal. This value helped me be more open to ideas, recommendations and suggestions, rather than be close-minded.”
Austin joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Austin serves as a retail services specialist.
“I wanted to do something different, and I needed direction since I did not know what I wanted to do after graduation from high school,” said Austin. “Also, since both my grandfathers served in the military, I thought I’d like to follow their footsteps.”
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Austin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of becoming a leading petty officer for my division,” said Austin. “This allows me to help others and assist those in need while guiding people down the right path.”
Austin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I am part of something bigger than myself while gaining life experiences that most don’t get a chance to experience,” said Austin.
Austin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a special thank you to my parents, Laura and Neil,” added Austin. “I’d also like to send a special shoutout to my grandfather, Carl.”