Future Sailor Matthew Sussman has always aspired to serve in the United States Navy. For years he envisioned himself as a Sailor because he loves to travel, often lived by the water, and deeply desired to follow in his father’s footsteps. For these reasons, Sussman raised his right hand to swear into the Navy at Albany Military Entrance Processing Station.
Enlistees who join the Navy often receive well-deserved recognition as less than one percent of Americans serve in the military. In joining, Sussman experienced something that proved to be rare in its own right, if not unique altogether.
While on the surface it appeared to be just another heartfelt farewell for a future Sailor, this day held a special meaning for the entire Sussman family who gathered at MEPS.
Sussman’s father, Capt. Rich Sussman, commanding officer of Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center, administered the oath of enlistment for his son just moments before his departure to Navy bootcamp at U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
The ceremony marked the start of one Navy journey and the end of another as Capt. Sussman swore his son in on the final day of his very own 35-year career.
As the father and stood together at attention, Matthew shed a tear prior to reciting the oath. He knew this occasion meant farewell in more ways than one.
“In July of 1991 I went off to the Merchant Marine Academy to my boot camp,” Sussman said. “I commissioned in June of 1995. and 31 years later, here I sit on my last day in uniform doing the oath of enlistment for my son, on his first day in uniform. It's just a tremendous honor and I couldn't be more proud.”
Matthew’s commitment to join the Navy ensured the Sussman legacy would continue for years to come. Although he understands the rigors and challenges that lay ahead of him, he is eager to serve in the Information Systems Technician (Submarines) rating.
“I think joining the military was really good decision,” said Sussman. “I’m definitely nervous but excited more than anything. I think it will be a good challenge that will teach me some responsibility.”
Following his enlistment ceremony, Sussman was met hugs, kisses and his family’s full support.
I’m just extremely proud and really happy for him,” said Christine Sussman. “We explored a lot of possibilities and options. Including different college visits and discussion about different careers. No matter what I threw at him, nothing really seemed to stick or really get him excited until he started talking about enlisting. It's like the most enthusiastic we've ever seen him about anything.”
As Capt. Sussman reflected on a life defined by service, he shared with laughter his final thoughts on the day.
“I’m jealous of my son. I told him if I could take his spot, start it and do it all over again I would absolutely do it,” Sussman said. “It's super special. Navy can't get rid of the Sussmans and we’re excited about it.”
NTAG New England is responsible for the U.S. Navy’s enlisted and officer recruiting, in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern New York.
| Date Taken: |
06.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
08.30.2026 12:11 |
| Story ID: |
573526 |
| Location: |
ALBANY, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: |
45 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, Navy Captain administers Oath of Enlistment for Son on Last Day of Service, by CPO Benjamin Dobbs, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
