Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Rojas | HOUSTON (Aug. 25, 2025) — Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Thien Vu, a...... read more read more
HOUSTON – Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) First Class Thien Vu, a recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Houston, recently earned the prestigious Centurion Award, recognizing his success in enlisting 100 future Sailors into the U.S. Navy.
The Centurion Award is one of the most distinguished honors a Navy recruiter can achieve, representing a milestone few reach during their tour. For Vu, the award symbolizes more than a number, it represents opportunities created and lives changed.
“Knowing I’ve helped 100 individuals take that first step toward something greater is incredibly rewarding,” said Vu. “It reminds me that I’m not just recruiting Sailors—I’m shaping leaders, building futures, and contributing to a legacy greater than myself.”
Vu enlisted in the Navy in 2015 and graduated from the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, one of the most academically demanding training pipelines in the military. As a nuclear-trained machinist’s mate, he served aboard the USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) and supported key nuclear propulsion operations before reporting to NTAG Houston in 2022.
Shifting from technical operations to people-focused recruiting, Vu embraced the challenge of outreach, mentorship, and engagement throughout the greater Houston area.
“Personally, recounting my experience in the naval nuclear propulsion program—where I transformed from struggling with chemistry to becoming a subject matter expert—reminds me of the power of perseverance and continuous learning,” said Vu.
He added that his journey allows him to connect with recruits facing their own challenges.
“Professionally, my experience in one of the Navy’s most rigorous technical fields lends authenticity to my message. I’m able to show others that with determination, they can overcome doubt and succeed.”
Reflecting on the impact of his work, Vu shared a memorable story that exemplifies the transformational power of Navy service.
“I remember working with an applicant named Sanchez, who returned from training with a calm confidence and a genuine excitement about life on a submarine,” said Vu. “Seeing him grow into a dependable Sailor reminded me of the Navy’s power to help people exceed even their own expectations.”
Vu said experiences like Sanchez’s continue to inspire him to help others realize their potential and trust in the process.
Vu’s leadership at NTAG Houston praised his work ethic and community impact.
“Petty Officer Vu is so effective because he is a hard worker who always maintains a positive attitude and makes the extra effort to connect with his local community,” said Cmdr. David Schaller, commanding officer, NTAG Houston. “He focuses on building trust-based relationships with applicants and educating them on all the opportunities the Navy has to offer.”
As he reflects on his achievement, Vu remains focused on continuing the mission.
“This milestone not only serves as a personal benchmark of excellence but also inspires my peers to contribute to something greater than themselves,” said Vu. “I wanted a clear, indisputable metric to show that I’m among the best at what I do.”
He added that the award motivates him to keep growing.
“As Mr. West once said, ‘Believe in your flyness…conquer your shyness.’ This reminds me to push boundaries, own my strengths, and lead by example.”
NTAG Houston has 34 Navy recruiting stations covering more than 44,000 square miles in rural and metropolitan areas around Southeastern Texas and Western Louisiana. NTAG Houston employs more than 250 recruiters, support personnel and civilians.
Follow NTAG Houston on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/NTAGhouston) and Instagram (@NTAG_Houston).
Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations across the world. Their combined goal is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.
For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, go to http://www.cnrc.navy.mil.
Follow Navy Recruiting on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR), Twitter
(@USNRecruiter) and Instagram (@USNRecruiter).
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2025 12:30 |
| Story ID: | 551011 |
| Location: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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