Kim Fry

When I first graduated from high school, I had never considered joining the military. I wanted to get out the house, get a job, and go to college. After struggling to pay rent and tuition for two years, I talked to a Navy recruiter to explore my options. I scored well on the entrance exams and decided to enter the Navy in a technical field because I liked the education options that went along with enlistment. I also knew technical skills would be in demand after I left the military.

After some initial training, I had the opportunity to specialize in the electronics field. I decided to become an electronics technician because the big companies are always looking for those people. I completed technical training in Norfolk, Virginia where I was impressed by the amount of preparation I received for my first assignment aboard the USS Puget Sound in the Mediterranean Sea. I repaired calibration and test equipment that was used to analyze the electronic components and systems on the ship, such as communications, radar and sonar, navigation, and electronic warfare systems. Aboard ship everybody must become a jack of all trades, so I was also trained to be a fire and security investigator in addition to performing my main duties as an electronics repair technician. This tour was an unbelievable experience. Not only did I visit places such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, but I finished 12 semester college hours and gained experience for a USS Wasp pre-cruise testing assignment, where I was responsible for ensuring that all electronic systems were working properly.

My experience on the USS Puget Sound prepared me for a later assignment to the USS Wasp for pre-cruise testing. On the USS Wasp, I was responsible for insuring that the electronic systems were operating properly before the ship went on an extended cruise. I am currently stationed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NSY). Even though I initially planned to use my military skills to find a good civilian job, I decided to stay in the Navy because I love the lifestyle and benefits. I’m still planning to finish college using the Navy’s tuition assistance programs, and I hope to become an officer one day.