Retired U.S Army uncle re-enlists nephew into the U.S Navy

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Retired Army Major Frederick Perkins administers the Oath of Re-enlistment to his nephew, AO2(AW) Brandon Howard, who is assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine. The re-enlistment took place on-board the U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64), a museum ship moored permanently next to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. (U.S Navy Photo by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida/Released)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

07.10.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

For centuries service men and women have answered the call of duty in national defense. Nothing so solemnly affirms one’s commitment to that duty better than the enlistment oath of office. This is according to the U.S Navy’s Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) 1160-20. But aside from that, why settle for a re-enlistment ceremony in an office cubicle or a hangar bay; when you can re-enlist on a battleship? And even better, have the re-enlistment oath given by your uncle, who just happens to be a retired U.S Army Major.

This was the case this afternoon aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64). In front of the iconic turret #1, and under its towering canopy; AO2(AW) Brandon Howard from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine, was honorably discharged first. He was given a few minutes to reflect on his service, and thanked everyone from his command who showed up. He then turned the reflections to his uncle, who stood proudly by his side as he revealed that the reason why he joined the U.S Navy was because he could swim better than his uncle, and because he wanted to be just like him. Afterwards, something that rarely takes place occurred. AO2(AW) Howard took the oath of re-enlistment, and raised his right hand. Fellow sailors from his command stood at attention as the Oath of Re-enlistment was administered. Administering the oath and standing in-front of him was his uncle, Major Frederick Perkins, who retired from the U.S Army. This was a rare but touching opportunity for all who were present on the iconic teak decks of the ship.

HSC-9, home to the World Famous Tridents, is under the command of CDR Ryan Dexter. It is an operational squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT onboard the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77), which is home ported at Naval Station Norfolk. HSC-9 employs the MH-60S, is the first squadron to receive the armed version of the MH-60S, and the first east coast HSC/CVW squadron to deploy with an HSM/CVW squadron. The U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-Class Battleship that was first commissioned on April 16, 1944. She was finally decommissioned in on September 30, 1991 and struck from the Naval Register on March 17, 2006. She is moored permanently as a museum ship adjacent to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line downstairs and take the elevator or stairs to the museum on the second deck. The museum is also proud to host military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 07.10.2018
• Date Posted: 07.10.2018 17:50
• Story ID: 283765
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US