Preparing to Take Off the Uniform: Embracing the Character Forged by the Sea

The moments—countless hours of life at sea—seem to play over and over in my mind as I get closer to the final salute that will mark the end of military service. Moments like the breathtaking sunsets, where it felt like thousands of miles stretched between our ship and the distant land. Moments like the ‘steel beaches’ where we BBQ-ed out on the flight deck.

?

Moments like the Evening Prayer, where in the silence of the night, a chaplain's voice would resonate over the ship's intercom (1MC), uttering the familiar words, "Let us pray." It captured the day's events in a way that reassured us—God was always with us, providing comfort no matter the crashing waves around us.

?

The whistle of reveille in the early mornings would always break the stillness, a call to rise and face the day. Whether part of a 300-person crew on a destroyer or a 5,000-strong team on a carrier, there was a tangible feeling—a sense of unity, of beating to the same drum to accomplish our mission. Those moments transcended individual duties; they were a collective heartbeat, a reminder that we were part of something greater than ourselves.

?

So many of these moments went beyond the ordinary, beyond the constraints of traditional 8 to 5 jobs. Volunteering at orphanages in foreign ports, standing midnight and crack-of-dawn watches—the Navy provided experiences that built character in unique ways. "Having the watch" became more than simply fulfilling a shift navigating the ship, it was a philosophy being ready to go wherever, whenever our nation called.

?

As I envision retirement, now about seven months away, the scene shifts to a chapel in Washington, D.C.—far from the sea. In this imagined moment, I have the opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me along the way. The retirement ceremony unfolds with the recitation of the Old Glory poem, Sailors carefully passing the neatly folded flag—a symbol of service and sacrifice—for a final salute.

?

In between the reflection and imagining, I am actively job searching as I look for that next step that will provide both a sense of purpose and the financial means to sustain a family. I study job posts, trying to decipher how my experiences match what employers are looking for. An ‘imposter syndrome’ takes over. While my memories are such a groundswell of joy and life experiences, I start to discount them as not relevant to employers.

?

I acknowledge that the sacrifices, the resilience forged through complex operations in foreign seas, and the lessons learned will never find their place on a resume. They are the intangibles—attributes of character. My hope is for the fresh start, one grounded in the desire to continue serving somewhere that values this character of sacrifice. Beyond the confines of a resume, I aspire to contribute to an organization that recognizes the richness of a journey defined by service and camaraderie.

?

In seeking that next chapter, I’ve decided to embrace the character that has been shaped by military service while memorializing the experiences that have come along the way. As I navigate the waters of change, I’m optimistic that the next chapter will be as rewarding and meaningful as the one behind…fair winds and following seas.