SEATTLE - Seaman Samuel Buchanan serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. On the other side of the country, Buchanan’s wife, daughter and in-laws, live in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
“I want to thank my wife, Kaitlyn, and daughter, Scarlett, for giving me reasons to keep pushing even when times get tough,” said Buchanan. “My wife is my number one supporter, and for that I’m eternally thankful. I also want to thank my in-laws, Phil and Shannon Hicks, for all the support they’ve given us during my time in the Navy.”
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
“I want to thank my wife, Kaitlyn, and daughter, Scarlett, for giving me reasons to keep pushing even when times get tough,” said Buchanan. “My wife is my number one supporter, and for that I’m eternally thankful. I also want to thank my in-laws, Phil and Shannon Hicks, for all the support they’ve given us during my time in the Navy.”
Buchanan joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Buchanan serves as a logistics specialist.
“My uncle played a big part in me joining the Navy,” said Buchanan. “I wanted to be successful and have a good foundation to build a life on while being a good husband and father.”
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, which is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance. 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.
“My uncle played a big part in me joining the Navy,” said Buchanan. “I wanted to be successful and have a good foundation to build a life on while being a good husband and father.”
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, which is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance. 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.”
Buchanan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of all the opportunities the Navy has given me to become a better husband, father, person and sailor,” said Buchanan.
Buchanan 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 a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to help make the world a safer place for my daughters,” said Buchanan.
Buchanan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, David Buchanan, for always pushing me to do better,” added Buchanan.