Cover Photo: U.S. Independence Day fireworks explode over Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) while moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), July 4. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Keigo Sugiura)
A Message From the Admiral
Recruiting Nation,
This past month marks a significant milestone for Navy Recruiting Command—we’re green across the board. For the first time this fiscal year, every major mission area is meeting or exceeding its glide slope: active and reserve goals, nuclear and non-nuclear accessions, prior service targets, and even the notoriously challenging Navy Special Operations mission. The NSO surge has been particularly impressive, with more than 800 contracts written since April, driven by strategic use of targeted incentives and the tireless efforts of our recruiters. That’s not just a win in the metrics—it’s a testament to what this force can accomplish when we stay locked in and push together.
These achievements are no accident. They’re the result of operational excellence and smart policy changes that remove barriers and empower recruiters. We’ve adjusted eligibility standards to better align with the realities of today’s recruiting environment, whether that’s making prep course access more attainable, simplifying documentation requirements for single parents and non-custodial fathers, or expanding reclassification authority. Each decision reflects a simple truth: our recruiters are professionals, and we trust them to make the right calls to bring in the best talent.
We’re also seeing strong momentum in officer recruiting. From Medical Corps and Dental Corps accessions to gains in the Nurse and Medical Service Corps, we’ve made meaningful progress by simplifying medical application requirements and investing in the systems that support officer recruiting. As a result, the pipeline is filling up, and confidence is growing across the enterprise. It’s a reminder that when we remove friction and invest in our people, performance follows.
More broadly, we’ve kept our focus on reducing administrative burdens and ensuring every recruiter has the tools to succeed. Whether it’s refining waiver pathways, updating policy guidance, or expanding training opportunities, we are building a foundation that’s not just reactive but resilient as well. We are learning from what works and replicating it. We are also challenging legacy processes that no longer serve the mission. Our pace of innovation and adaptation is faster than ever—and that’s exactly what this moment demands.
As we charge into the final quarter of FY25, I want to leave you with this: the Navy needs what you’re doing. You are helping build a force ready for tomorrow’s fight. You are bringing purpose, opportunity, and service to young Americans who need someone to believe in them. Stay focused. Stay hungry. And know that you have a headquarters team behind you every step of the way. Let’s finish this year strong!
Winners Win!
Rear Adm. Jim Waters
A Message From the CMC
Recruiting Nation,
The Recruiting Team is absolutely crushing it! NSO is now over 100% and we are above glideslope as a nation in ALNAV, AC, RC, NSO, NF, NNS, and shipping. Navy leadership here at NRC and beyond couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments and phenomenal results. Maintain the push and strong momentum. I know we will continue to maintain while closing the gaps on some of our undermanned rates and designators.
We are steadily improving manning in the NC-CRF rating with our monthly CRF conversion boards. We are working closely with PERS and will push for rating releases for those Sailors desiring conversion to CRF. We moved CRF INDOC course from NORU in Pensacola to Millington; this will allow newly selected CRF to observe and interact at the enterprise level and gain an understanding of processes and resources available firsthand.
Congratulations to all our newly selected Master Chiefs and Senior Chiefs. We concluded the last slating panel and notified all screened for E9 CRF of their next assignment. Those screened for E8 will enter Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM) to compete for a billet at the new paygrade. Our special allocation of Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) quotas was approved and season one has been executed. Congratulations to our 30 newly promoted First Class Petty Officers. Season 2 MAP is approaching and is not rate limited. DMAP ratings are authorized to be advanced. Additionally, Recruiter of the Quarter (ROQ) MAP is available and is also not rating limited. We will conduct the ROQ board in the next week or two and announce results. We will continue to advocate and push these advancement incentives for Navy Recruiting.
Thank you for the dedication and commitment you have to recruiting, the Navy, and our Nation. You are changing lives and making history!
Keep charging!
Very Respectfully,
CMDCM Konopka
A Message From the NCR
Recruiting Nation,
What an extraordinary year we've had! Your relentless dedication and exceptional efforts for FY-25 have propelled us to achievements we haven't witnessed in a long time. Surpassing the 40,600 threshold is remarkable. Additionally, for the first time this year, the enterprise is on track to meet the NSO mission. These milestones have a significant impact on both the Navy and our nation—outstanding work!
Kudos to our officer team for their exceptional performance, surpassing the achievements of previous years. The centralized HMR team is commissioning doctors and dentists at an unprecedented pace—Bravo, Zulu! A heartfelt thank you to the OPO teams for their relentless dedication to all officer mission areas. Your hard work is deeply appreciated.
The mission that has maintained rock steady this year is the prior service reserve mission. Continue pressing forward and searching for specific rates to close out the year. Great work!
As your NCR, I wholeheartedly believe in the strength of teamwork and open communication. Every role within the recruiting enterprise is vital to our mission. Your creativity, feedback, and innovation are essential for driving positive change and maintaining our reputation as a premier talent acquisition organization. The recruiting landscape is dynamic and ever-changing; together, we must keep our strategies sharp and adaptable. We all share a common mission: to keep our Navy strong and safeguard our nation's way of life.
Every career begins with a recruiter, and the summer months have historically been a period of significant change as countless lives are transformed by joining the Navy. Let's continue to treat each potential recruit with the respect and care we would want for ourselves or our family members. By doing so, we enhance our brand and reputation, reduce loss, and foster a culture of relationship-building and referrals.
It's your daily dedication that makes donning the uniform so exhilarating. I am proud to serve as your NCR and to collaborate with each of you in the recruiting enterprise. Together, we're not just shaping the future of the Navy—we're shaping the future of our nation.
Every day is truly a gift: that's why it's called the present. Let's make the most of it!
Master Chief Kevin Daniel Kikawa
U.S. Navy Achieves FY25 Recruiting Goal 3 Months Early
The U.S. Navy achieved its 2025 recruiting goal June 18, three months ahead of the end of the current fiscal year after contracting 40,600 future Sailors.
Achieving the contracting milestone reflects the Navy’s focused efforts for connecting with qualified, motivated candidates across the country. The sea service is now positioned to send more than 40,600 future Sailors to Recruit Training Command by September.
“More qualified and motivated Americans than ever are stepping forward and answering the call to serve their country,” said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. “This is a critical time in history.
The world is more complex and contested than it has been in decades, and our ability to respond starts with our greatest asset, our people. Since November, Navy recruiting has skyrocketed, a testament to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of our dynamic Navy recruiters.”
Recruiting success in 2025 built on last year’s momentum when the Navy surpassed the recruiting goal of 40,600 by 378. By the end of 2024, Navy Recruiting Command contracted 40,978 future Sailors, more than any year since 2002.
U.S. Navy Wins Gold and Silver at Cannes Lions for Groundbreaking “Sub(Reddit) Hunter” Campaign
Story by Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs
The U.S. Navy has earned top honors at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, receiving both a Gold Lion and Silver Lion for its innovative “Sub(Reddit) Hunter” campaign. The prestigious awards—considered the highest accolade in global marketing and advertising—recognize the campaign’s creative excellence in engaging next-generation Sailors through a first-of-its-kind interactive experience on Reddit.
The Navy won a Gold Lion in the Social & Creator / Innovative Audience/Community Engagement category and a Silver Lion in the Media / Use of Social Platforms category. Developed in partnership with VML, the Navy’s ad agency, the campaign exemplifies how modern military recruiting is evolving to meet digital-native audiences with authenticity, ingenuity, and challenge.
“It truly is an honor to work with Navy Recruiting Command and to collaborate with bold Navy leaders who embrace marketing innovation,” said Chris Edmondson, Executive Director, VML. “Recruiting the next generation of exceptional Sailors is work that really matters, and while mission success is always the top priority, it has been thrilling to see our work recognized at such a high level.”
“We’re incredibly proud to see ‘Sub(Reddit) Hunter’ recognized at Cannes Lions, one of the most elite stages in the advertising world,” said Allen Owens, Marketing Director for Navy Recruiting Command. “This campaign broke new ground in how we connect with talent—immersing audiences in a world of cryptic missions, teamwork, and discovery. These awards validate that when we meet future warfighters where they are, with creativity and purpose, the impact is powerful.”
A Campaign Built to Challenge
Launched in fall 2024, the “Sub(Reddit) Hunter” campaign was designed to find individuals with the rare blend of intellect, curiosity, and analytical thinking needed to succeed in the Navy’s elite nuclear submarine force. The campaign leveraged Reddit’s niche communities to drop participants into an interactive, five-week digital scavenger hunt, where users had to crack puzzles, decode audio, analyze cryptic videos, and uncover hidden messages rooted in submarine history and naval technology.
- Each “directive” released weekly required Redditors to:
- Dive into redacted coordinates to identify historic naval headings
- Decode silent audio messages embedded in sonar tracks
- Solve intricate puzzles hidden in gigapixel photographs
- Scrub archival video for covert intelligence
- Analyze submarine propulsion blueprints for embedded clues
Participants submitted answers directly to r/AmericasNavy, where the most persistent and perceptive Redditors advanced through the challenge—mirroring the focus and problem-solving required of real Navy submariners.
Global Recognition for Innovation
Out of tens of thousands of global entries, only 10% of campaigns are shortlisted at Cannes. The U.S. Navy’s campaign earned six shortlist nominations, including:
- Creative Data / Social Behavior
- Digital Craft / Personalized Storytelling
- Media / Use of Social Platforms
- Social & Creator / Audience Targeting
- Social & Creator / Innovative Audience/Community Engagement
- Social & Creator / Content Placement
Ultimately, less than 1% of all entries are awarded a Gold Lion, placing the Navy’s achievement in elite company on the global creative stage.
“To ensure we attract the best and brightest future Sailors—including those for our most technical communities—we must continuously evolve,” said Rear Adm. James P. Waters, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to using bold, strategic storytelling to inspire the next generation of America’s Navy.”
The “Sub(Reddit) Hunter” campaign is part of a broader Navy recruiting strategy focused on connecting with Gen Z audiences through innovative, authentic, and challenge-driven engagement across digital platforms.
The Powerful Force Behind Navy’s Nuclear Power
Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo, NTAG Miami Public Affairs
Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Joseph Kula, a native of Schaumburg, Illinois, is a nuclear field coordinator at Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami.
Kula joined the Navy seven years ago. He joined so he could help others while building his career.
“The nuclear field is the best tool available to determine what career field would be the best for you to pursue for yourself,” Kula said. “Although we are primarily working in nuclear power, we perform a wide variety of roles that would allow you to determine your next step.”
Kula recruits candidates for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.. He believes his passion for the field comes through in his communication of both the occupation and experiences.
Nuclear power provides the Navy with sustainable power to operate aircraft carriers and submarines wherever needed in the world. With many vessels powered by nuclear energy there are plenty of opportunities for those who wish to excel in the career field.
NTAG San Antonio Honors Tradition, Community During Fiesta
Story and photos by Allen Cordova, NTAG San Antonio Public Affairs
Starting in 1891 with a single parade honoring the heroes of the Alamo, Fiesta San Antonio has grown immensely highlighting the city's exciting culture and historical heritage. Through various events and celebrations, Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio and other local Navy commands demonstrated commitment to traditions, community and teamwork.
The first event San Antonio Sailors participated in was the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. Over 75 civilian and military organizations, led by a riderless horse, silently marched six blocks honoring those who died defending the Alamo. Upon entering the plaza, each organization placed a tribute in front of the historic mission.
“The ceremonial march symbolizes the shared values of honor, duty and sacrifice,” said Cmdr. Joel Strong, commanding officer of NTAG San Antonio. “It reinforces the city’s identity as a place where patriotism runs deep and military heritage is woven into the cultural fabric.”
The Texas Cavalier’s River Parade, held along San Antonio’s River Walk, began after the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. Numerous active-duty and reserve Sailors rode the Sea Service barge alongside other elaborately decorated floats down the San Antonio River. The USS San Antonio Commissioning Committee also exhibited a barge with a model of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17). The visual stunning replica not only captured the essence of the lead amphibious ship of her class but also serves to honor the first U.S. Navy ship to be named after the city of San Antonio.
Later in the week was Navy Day at the Alamo. The event started with Fiesta Military Ambassador Master-at-Arms 1st Class Leslie Savage singing the National Anthem and a performance by Navy Band Southeast’s Brass Quintet. A large crowd gathered to interact with service members and enjoy various demonstrations. Subject matter experts from the metropolitan area performed funeral honors, non-lethal weapons and military working dog demonstrations. In addition, Cmdr. Robert Brown, executive officer of NTAG San Antonio, performed a re-enlistment and a ceremonial Oath of Enlistment to 12 future Sailors.
Dual-Military Navy Couple Reenlist Together
Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jasen MorenoGarcia, NTAG Phoenix Public Affairs
Two Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix recruiters stood side by side in Tucson, Arizona, raising their right hands as they reaffirmed their oath to serve. But for this dual-military couple, the reenlistment ceremony was more than a career milestone — it was a celebration of service, partnership and perseverance.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Ernesto Lorenzorivero, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Marana, reenlisted for six years. His spouse, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Lesly Oseguera, assigned to NRS Mission Park, reenlisted for three. The ceremony was officiated by Lt. Earl Pascua and held in the presence of friends, family and fellow recruiters.
Oseguera shared that the reenlistment was thanks to the divisional career counselor Fire Control Technician 1st Class Gerardo Valenzuela.
“Our divisional career counselor, FC1 Valenzuela brought up that we needed to reenlist and suggested the dual reenlistment,” said Oseguera. “We realized it was a rare opportunity as neither of us had seen a married couple in the same command reenlist at the same time. It sounded fun, unique and something we could look back on fondly.”
Both Sailors said the decision to reenlist was an easy one.
From Nuclear Power to Empowering People: Meet MMN1 Valdez
Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo, NTAG Miami Public Affairs
Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Eduardo Valdez, a native of Bridgeton, New Jersey, serves as a nuclear field coordinator with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami.
Valdez reported to the command in May and serves as the primary point of contact for Navy Nuclear Program applicants across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“I hope to find bright minds who can serve and benefit as well as I have from the unique opportunities offered by the Navy Nuclear Program,” said Valdez.
Valdez enlisted in 2016 shortly after graduating from Bridgeton High School. He hopes to inspire future Sailors by sharing his journey and encouraging others to forge their own path to success.
“I joined the Navy because it was honestly the best option,” said Valdez. “I knew I wanted to join after high school and knew college wasn't an option for me at the time. I was looking at all branches to see what would best fit me. The Navy got my attention with engineering rates and once I learned about the Nuclear Program, I never looked back.”
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship
Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Cintron, NTAG New England Public Affairs
The prospect of going to college is a life event which appears daunting to many young men and women throughout the Nation. Deciding the college to attend, what to study, and how they will afford it can be a challenge.
One way to help pay for college is through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship (NROTC). The Navy awards this scholarship to approximately 1,200 students annually. The scholarship pays the full college tuition, including a monthly allowance for participating schools.
Abigail Dorey and Oliver Sweatman are two graduates from Beverly High School in Beverly, Massachusetts who were awarded the NROTC scholarship through the United States Navy for upwards of $200,000 for tuition on June 4, 2025.
“We are very selective about who receives this scholarship,” said Chief Fire Controlman Bryan May, NTAG New Englands NROTC Scholarship program coordinator. “These students must meet all the requirements, go through a selection process and accept the terms of the scholarship to receive it.This is a very selective national level scholarship. The Navy is looking for the best candidates to become Naval Officers through this program.”
The NROTC Scholarship includes 3 programs specific to the Navy — the Navy 4 year, Navy pre-med, and Navy nursing.
NTAG Phoenix Continues Lifesaving Campaign with Ongoing Blood Drive Efforts
Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jasen MorenoGarcia, NTAG Phoenix Public Affairs
The Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix First Class Petty Officers Association continued its lifesaving blood drive campaign with a donation event held outside NTAG Phoenix headquarters, May 28, collecting 10 units of blood to support local hospitals.
The event, part of an ongoing partnership with Vitalant, follows a successful drive held April 9 outside Navy Recruiting Station Chandler, where 15 donations were collected. In total, the campaign has brought in 25 units of blood — potentially enough to save up to 50 lives, based on standard donation impact estimates.
“Every drop counts,” said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Zachary B. Dawson, the event coordinator and vice president of the NTAG Phoenix First Class Petty Officers Association. “We’re proud to bring sailors and civilians together to give back in a meaningful way and spread positive relations to our community.”
Dawson also encouraged continued participation with a message shared across the command: “In the midst of civil and economic unrest, share the ability to save lives and give just a little time and effort to better the community by donating today! It may cool your blood, but the satisfaction of making a difference will warm your heart! All Navy Sailors, let’s show them our blood runs blue and put some salt in their veins!”
Organizers say the association plans to hold additional drives in the coming months, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to community service beyond the uniform.
NTAG Phoenix’s area of responsibility includes more than 37 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 250,000 square miles of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.
Machinist's Mate 1st Class Robert Hines - Recruiter in the Spotlight
Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Osborn, NTAG Nashville Public Affairs
Machinist’s Mate Nuclear 1st Class Robert Hines draws inspiration from the Sailors rising through the Navy’s nuclear ranks — and they’re one of the main reasons he’s preparing to reenlist.
“I’m proud to see these future Sailors,” said Hines. “I want to return to the fleet and see how they’re doing.”
Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Hines serves as assistant to the nuclear field coordinator at Navy Talent Acquisition Group Nashville. Since reporting in September 2023, he has led efforts as a direct liaison to nuclear field scouts across Arkansas and Tennessee.
Together, Hines and the NTAG Nashville nuclear recruiting team recruited tirelessly, and with the rest of Recruiting Nation, met the annual recruiting goal, bringing in 40,600 future Sailors.
“That milestone reflects the relentless effort of our team and the commitment of our field scouts,” said Hines. “They identify talent, spark interest, and inspire these individuals to step into one of the Navy’s most demanding fields.”
Nuclear Sailor Leading the Charge for Tomorrow’s Fleet
Courtesy story. NTAG Miami Public Affairs
Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 1st Class Janiel “Jay” Santos, a native of Bakersfield, California, is a nuclear field coordinator with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami.
Santos joined the Navy in April 2016. Driven by a legacy of military service, he followed in his family’s footsteps, seeking not just a career but a sense of purpose.
“I didn’t know where I was going in life,” said Santos. “My uncle, who retired from the Army as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, suggested I join the military and get paid to figure out what I want to do with my life.”
He notes that while generations before him served in the military, he stands alone in his generation as the one who chose to carry on that legacy.
“I’m glad I did,” said Santos. “I live the life I never would have had. I never thought I would own a house this early in my life, let alone own three, one for every command I have served with. I never have to worry about having food to eat or about what new experiences my wife and I will try next.”
From Cook to Nation’s Top Recruiter
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jackie Hart, NTAG Jacksonville Public Affairs
Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Rheann Hietpas is, in many ways, in a league of her own. From two meritorious promotions to earning the title of recruiter-in-charge (RINC) at Navy Recruiting Station Mayport, Florida, she has achieved success throughout her unique journey as a Sailor.
Hietpas, a native of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, joined the Navy after high school to serve her country and pay for college – like many of her peers. She initially enlisted as a culinary specialist (CS) in the Navy Reserve, but soon realized she wanted to make the Navy a career. From travel opportunities to the challenges involved with being a Sailor full-time, she had a desire for more.
After transitioning to active duty, she also made the decision to change career paths. While serving as a CS wasn’t undesirable, she became a damage controlman (DC) because it presented different challenges and gave her the chance to learn about, maintain and train fellow Sailors on equipment that can save their lives in the event of a shipboard casualty.
“I cross-rated to DC when I switched from Reserve to active because I wanted more of a sense of fulfillment,” Hietpas said. “I wanted to do something important, and learning so I could train other Sailors in the fleet on damage control gave me that sense of fulfillment I was looking for.”
Hietpas’ journey ultimately led her to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier based out of Yokosuka, Japan. It was there she honed her skills and achieved success on a ship that not only operated at sea for six months every year, but did so with the purpose of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Medical Officer Recruiter Serves as Action Shooting Team Director
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jackie Hart, NTAG Jacksonville Public Affairs
Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Lightner is a medical officer recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Jacksonville, Florida. A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, who enlisted in the Navy in 2004, Lightner served in multiple roles as an aviation medical technician prior to earning his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and commissioning in 2011.
Lightner has been assigned to Naval Hospitals Jacksonville, Florida, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as well as Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia. Now, he’s using his knowledge and experience to recruit the most qualified men and women to become the next generation of Navy Medicine Sailors - but that’s only half of his story.
Lightner is also an avid marksman who has been shooting competitively for 14 years.
“I started shooting early in life under the supervision of family members and bought my first rifle and shotgun at 18,” Lightner said. “I went to the gun range pretty frequently. I started honing my skills by shooting 10-inch pie plates at 100 yards, felt confident after a while, and eventually learned to shoot 5-shot groups into the size of a dime at that same distance. In 2011, I started shooting competitively.”
Over the course of the two years following competition entry, Lightner earned several awards and achieved success prior to joining the ranks of professional marksmen in 2013. Then, he had an idea to establish an official Navy team of Sailors that would focus on hitting targets while navigating obstacles - an action shooting team.
Building the Next Pacific Northwest Warrior Sailor: EOD tech revitalizes PNW’s Special Warfare Program
Story and photos by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Torrey Lee, NTAG Pacific Northwest Public Affairs
The Navy continues to face the challenge of attrition and transition, and the mission to recruit America’s next generation of Sailors remains critical. In fiscal year 2025, the Navy has set its active-duty enlisted recruiting goal at 40,600 accessions, matching last year’s target and underscoring the ongoing demand for quality talent. However, some contracts demand even more.
The Special Operations program, which offers paths into elite communities such as Navy SEALs, explosive ordnance disposal, Navy diver, special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC), and air rescue, is among the Navy’s most competitive and physically demanding pipelines. Preparing future Sailors for these roles is not just about meeting numbers; it’s about mentorship, grit, and transformation.
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Ben Kunze, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest, leads that mission across a sprawling four-state region. Based in Seattle, Kunze travels throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska to identify and train candidates for the Special Operations program.
“Special operations is not just SEALs,” Kunze said. “It consists of explosive ordnance disposal, Navy diver, special warfare combatant-craft crewman, air rescue.”
Kunze leads regional clinics where candidates undergo intensive preparation and perform the Physical Screening Test (PST), a baseline qualification event measuring swim, run, push-up, sit-up, and pull-up performance. For many Americans, particularly those not already involved in athletic programs, the PST can be a challenging experience. According to the Department of Defense, only 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 meet the military’s eligibility requirements without a waiver, including standards for physical fitness, education, and legal qualifications. Special operations coordinators now must consider additional standards when recruiting special warfare candidates. The mission is no longer to find future sailors; it’s to build them.
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U.S. Navy EOD divers prepare to place a charge on a bottom mine during IWO-TO LIVE MINEX 2025. (U.S. Navy Photo by EODCS Steven Jurgielewicz)
Hospital Corpsman Katelyn Eckenboy, assigned to the Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), cares for a Panamanian child during Continuing Promise 2025 in Colón, Panama, June 27, 2025. Continuing Promise 2025 is the 16th iteration of the U.S. 4th Fleet/U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command-led mission since 2007, which aims to foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and form new partnerships between host nations, non-federal entities, and international organizations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ethan McCubbins)
A U.S. Sailor fires a shot line from the forecastle of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) to the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) during a replenishment-at-sea in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison)
An E/A-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner)
Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Noah Rustvold, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), welds an “L” shaped elbow, June 18. Makin Island is currently homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominic Delahunt)
Credits:
Commander, Navy Recruiting Command