EVERETT, Wash. – Maintaining and repairing the U.S. Navy’s fleet of ships above the waterline is no small feat, but it takes specially-trained sailors to ensure ships are mission-ready beneath the waves.
Petty Officer 1st Class Christian Stuart, a native of San Diego, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility Detachment Everett, at Naval Station Everett where divers play a key role in keeping the fleet afloat.
Stuart graduated from Santana High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up, I learned to always be proud of your work and the product you produce,” said Stuart.
Stuart joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Stuart serves as a Navy diver.
“My father retired from the Navy,” said Stuart.
Navy divers are an all-volunteer force and undergo a rigorous training process to perform the challenging work required, often with no room for error in conditions that range from water clear enough for underwater photography to murky depths with little to no visibility.
In the Pacific Northwest, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility has divers stationed at dive lockers in Everett, Bangor and Bremerton. These divers are tasked with the general maintenance of ships’ underwater hulls, propellers and other equipment. They also perform general diving and salvage operations as needed.
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.
Stuart serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Stuart has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from dive school,” said Stuart. “I knew I was joining a small group of men and women who perform the best job in the Navy.”
Stuart can take pride in serving America through military service.“I’m proud to serve and defend the country I live in and the people who live in it,” said Stuart.