SEATTLE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Hong Chao Quach, from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 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.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ho Chi Minh City, where Quach’s grandparents still reside.
“Growing up, I learned to always try to make more options and opportunities for yourself to choose from,” said Quach. “The more the better. Your options are kind of limited in the military, but I was indecisive so the Navy helped me make a decision.”
Quach joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Quach serves as an electrical gas turbine systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted more experience and time to figure out myself and my future path,” said Quach. “I thought the Navy was interesting and I wanted the experience. When I get out, I’ll have what I learned to use as a stepping stone for my future. As an immigrant, I feel that I have fewer benefits and fewer connections, but the Navy will help me build those connections and help with benefits.”
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.”
Quach has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Advancing to petty officer second class in two years is something I’m proud of and I was also the top graduate at my ‘A’ school,” said Quach. “It makes me feel proud and makes my parents proud.”
Quach serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Deciding to serve in the Navy was a brave decision at a young age,” said Quach. “It’s the first major decision I’ve made in my life, and I think even if I get out or stay in, it means a lot that I was able to do it. It’s something that will define me and something I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life.”
Quach is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m thankful for my parents, Minh Quach and Mai Ho, and my whole family because without their support it wouldn’t be this easy for me,” added Quach. “They quit their jobs and moved here to Seattle. They like it here. Having my family here to listen to every decision I’ve made and get their support and opinion is a big, big support that not everybody has.”
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ho Chi Minh City, where Quach’s grandparents still reside.
“Growing up, I learned to always try to make more options and opportunities for yourself to choose from,” said Quach. “The more the better. Your options are kind of limited in the military, but I was indecisive so the Navy helped me make a decision.”
Quach joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Quach serves as an electrical gas turbine systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted more experience and time to figure out myself and my future path,” said Quach. “I thought the Navy was interesting and I wanted the experience. When I get out, I’ll have what I learned to use as a stepping stone for my future. As an immigrant, I feel that I have fewer benefits and fewer connections, but the Navy will help me build those connections and help with benefits.”
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.”
Quach has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Advancing to petty officer second class in two years is something I’m proud of and I was also the top graduate at my ‘A’ school,” said Quach. “It makes me feel proud and makes my parents proud.”
Quach serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Deciding to serve in the Navy was a brave decision at a young age,” said Quach. “It’s the first major decision I’ve made in my life, and I think even if I get out or stay in, it means a lot that I was able to do it. It’s something that will define me and something I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life.”
Quach is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m thankful for my parents, Minh Quach and Mai Ho, and my whole family because without their support it wouldn’t be this easy for me,” added Quach. “They quit their jobs and moved here to Seattle. They like it here. Having my family here to listen to every decision I’ve made and get their support and opinion is a big, big support that not everybody has.”