Twenty years ago, a day after my 19th birthday my parents stood on the front porch as I entered a car with a man in uniform. My mother tearful and my father stoic, I waved goodbye as I made what turned out to be the most influential decision of my life. I left my family, friends and home behind and headed off to my first day of boot camp for the United States Navy.
A bit outdated,no?
I joined the Navy largely because at 19 I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and I didn’t want to go into debt figuring it out; and partly because I was lured by the the slogan “Join the Navy, see the world”. It was an opportunity to get out of my hometown and onto my own two feet. I came of age among the backdrop of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt; coveralls and steel toe boots my uniform, steam pipes and fighter jets were my environment. It was here where I learned how to learn. During my training for running a nuclear reactor 70 hour work weeks weren’t uncommon and that was before 6 month deployments with 2 month work up cruises peppered in between.
Photo credit: United States Navy
Over my six year Naval career I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with an incredibly diverse group; the kid from inner-city Chicago, the country girl from rural Georgia, the Navajo who was the first in his family to leave his family’s land. We came from different worlds with different beliefs, formed a bond that only military service can forge, and scattered out across the world each finding a different path. I have met some of the best people I will ever know, a handful have become my closest friends but even with those I haven’t seen in over a decade I know we could immediately pick up right where we left off.
The Navy brought me to places I had only once dreamed of and a few I didn’t even know existed. Port calls to Spain, France and Greece left me enchanted by Europe while stops in Turkey and Bahrain gave me my first taste of the Middle East. I’ve set eyes on the African continent eight times but still have yet to set foot, I’ve seen Egypt and Israel while transiting the Suez Canal. I’ve witnessed the splendor of a sunrise from the flight deck and will never forget beauty of the night sky at sea. I’ve even jumped into the middle of the Indian Ocean from an aircraft carrier while a squad of armed Navy Seals stood by in case of sharks or sea snakes ( you can ask me about it over drinks sometime).
Suez Canal Crossing 2001
My time in the Navy set up the foundation for who I am today. I earned my undergrad degree while I serving and later used the GI Bill to get my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree debt free. My wanderlust was ignited with each new port. Most importantly this is where I met Steve; my best friend, love of my life and co-pilot in all my crazy adventures. I can’t think of a single part of my life today that hasn’t been influenced by those six years and I am honored to call myself a U.S. Navy veteran.
Lt(N) David Holland Ret'd says
Brianna, BZ thank you for your service.
As a retired Canadian Naval Clearance Diving Officer (USN designator 1140), who served Queen and Country for 25 years, I fully agree with the NAVY as being a great start to being bitten by the travel bug.
Between naval travel, duty stations on both coasts of Canada, US postings like Washington DC and Panama City Florida; now travel blogging, we have now been to almost 50 countries.
So “Be a person, JOIN the NAVY and see the world”.
Brianna says
Thank you for your service as well David! The Navy instilled a great sense of wanderlust in me and it looks like the travel bug got you too.
Charles McCool says
What? I did not know you are a Doctor. Very impressive.
Brianna says
I’m full of surprises 😉
Buena says
Wow!!! What an honor to know you, even it’s just here in the blogosphere world. Continue inspiring people…. xoxo
Brianna says
Thank you so much Buena, I’m blushing 🙂
Lillie says
Woooooooow, I did not know this about you!!!! Sooo fascinating! I was tempted during college to join the armed forces but then backed away at the last minute, so it’s so interesting to learn the benefits you got from joining.
Brianna says
I think you would have been a great addition to the military but travelling like you did also provides an education that is incomparable.
Marie says
My father is a retired career military soldier! Love tour perspective of today’s military!
Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers says
I didn’t know you were ex navy. Military life definitely has a bigger impact on your life than most other employers or career choices could.
Erika Bisbocci says
Wonderful story. I’m glad that the path you chose inspired you to see the world and fueled your wanderlust. It is amazing how each decision in life can have such an impact on the way your life plays out.
Fiona says
What an amazing story. I hope your parents are very proud!
Evan Kristine says
Wow! Very impressive! You did such a wonderful job serving your country and finding your way to the world. This is very inspiring which a lot of younger people could benefit from!
Wandering Carol says
What a great way to see the world and get an education. I’m glad you could translate that wanderlust into blogging.
Jenna says
Very cool! I didn’t know you were in the Navy–definitely sounds like it was a great choice. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy, but it sounds like you had some really amazing experiences! Great story and thanks for sharing!
Mags says
That’s so cool! I had no idea you were in the Navy, but with a slogan like “see the world”, who could resist? I’m sure your parents are very proud.
Jennifer says
I thank you for your service and for the sacrifice. I am glad it was a positive experience for you and you met some great people.
Brianna says
Thanks Jennifer, it really was a great experience.
Alan D says
Awesome. I wish more people felt that duty to serve…regardless of the reason they choose to.
Brianna says
Thanks Alan, it was a great stepping stone for me.
Andrea Williams says
Great article! Honored to have worked with you at SLH—miss you!
Brianna says
Thanks, we had such a great team at SLH!