MILLINGTON, Tenn. (Jun. 7, 2023) – Lt. Cmdr. Brian Striffler, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, recently participated in Fleet Week New York.
Through a series of outreach events, Fleet Week New York gives citizens an opportunity to interact with sailors and learn more about the Navy. This year’s events included ship tours, dive tank demonstrations, band performances, a ship parade, and participation from NATO allies Great Britain, Italy and Canada.
Striffler joined the Navy 12 years ago and today serves as a asurface warfare officer aboard USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship that supports U.S. Marines in combat and provide disaster relief and medical support to those in need.
USS Wasp was one of the ships offering free public tours during Fleet Week New York.
“I initially joined the Navy to play lacrosse at the Naval Academy, which requires a five-year service commitment afterwards,” said Striffler. “My belief in what our country stands for, the importance of preserving its values and a sense of duty has kept me in longer.”
Growing up in Virginia Beach, Striffler attended Norfolk Academy and graduated in 2007. Additionally, Striffler graduated in 2011 from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Skills and values similar to those found in Virginia Beach are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Being from a military hometown exposed me to military members and their families early on, so I had a good idea of what military life would be like,” said Striffler.
These lessons have helped Striffler while serving in the Navy.
Striffler and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of my deployments and what it takes as a ship and crew to be able to operate at a high level and execute national tasking,” said Striffler.
As Striffler and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I am proud to be in the Navy and serve my country,” added Striffler. “Warships serve multiple purposes, to include humanitarian or disaster assistance, apprehend drug and human traffickers, promote strong alliances overseas, or when necessary, wage war. No other part of our military can claim as many multipurpose functions as a Navy ship. However small, I know I am contributing in some way to accomplishing this mission for our country.”
By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach