EVERETT, Wash. - Capt. Stacy Wuthier, a graduate of the University of Washington, serves the U.S. Navy as the installation commanding officer of Naval Station Everett in the Pacific Northwest.
Wuthier earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington in 2000 and a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University in 2007.
Wuthier enlisted in the Navy 29 years ago. Today, Wuthier is a nuclear-qualified surface warfare officer after earning a commission through the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program.
“My stepdad served in the Coast Guard and with the financial challenges of attending a four-year college, the Navy’s nuclear program was a good choice,” said Wuthier. “I enlisted right after the Combat Exclusion Policy was repealed and served as a nuclear machinist’s mate. I was told I was one of the first four women from the Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona area to enlist in the nuclear program after it was opened back up. There were not very many of us in training. Later, I was the first woman selected to be an instructor at the nuclear prototype school in New York.”
Naval Station Everett, one of only two Navy-owned deep-water ports on the West Coast, is home to the command staffs of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Destroyer Group 9, six U.S. Navy ships and one Coast Guard vessel. The base enhances the nation’s ability to accomplish strategic objectives by supporting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces, 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.
Wuthier 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.”
Wuthier has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of the fact that when I was in command of USS Jackson, we were able as a crew to get our ship, which had never deployed, ready for its maiden deployment,” said Wuthier. “We had to get the ship ready to go and the crew trained. There’s a lot that goes into that and we were able as a team to get that done. There were a lot of hurdles and a lot of hard work but we were able to succeed.”
Wuthier can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I joined the Navy for the job and the opportunities it offered,” said Wuthier. “I stayed because of the mission and the sailors I serve with. The Navy gave me a profound sense of service and pride for our country. When you’re young, what motivates you to go in is very different from what motivates you to stay as you get older.”
Wuthier is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, my mom and stepdad, for supporting me every step of the way,” added Wuthier. “Their guidance and love allowed me to continue to serve my country. There are too many others to thank but I’m grateful for the mentors and friends who helped me become who I am today.”