It can be easy to lose sight of the importance of the U.S. Navy patrolling waters around the world with threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks dominating the headlines. However, from historical, economic, and security perspectives a strong, globally positioned Navy remains crucial to American prosperity and leadership.
The United States Navy has always risen to the occasion whenever conflict put America in the greatest danger. Therefore, maintaining a powerful, well-equipped, and well-managed navy has always been in the best interests of this nation. Without one, there is no conceivable way the United States could continue to maintain the world’s greatest economy in today’s globalized world.
And increasing the number of young Americans willing and able to serve should be a national priority.
Now, a Virginia family is answering their country’s call. According to WAVY-TV in Portsmouth, Ayrion, Andrea, and Adrion Sutton — a set of triplets have decided to wear their nation’s uniform by serving in the United States Navy. And not only that, the Sutton siblings aren’t serving alone. Because along with them is their father, Andre Sutton who wants to continue his career with his children, by being reenlisted in the service.
Mom and dad both served in the Navy at one point, so the Sutton family has a long history with the service. While stationed on the USS Arctic in 1999, Tiffany Sutton and Andre Sutton became friends. The WAVY reported that Adrion Sutton, the family’s youngest member, decided to join the Navy to follow in his father’s footsteps. He was the final triplet to sign a contract, though.
The youth said, “I was trying to follow my dad, looking up to him, so I wanted to join the Navy.”
Andre Sutton made the decision to rejoin the military when Adrion Sutton enlisted. Andre Sutton already completed 12 years in the Navy and intends to complete the remaining eight years of service required to be eligible for a military retirement.
“With me being 52, I’ve got eight years to go, so it was perfect timing, I’ve got the pleasure of serving with my kids. Who does that? ”Andre Sutton said of his military career.
Regarding her family’s military service, Andrea Sutton remarked, “We’re a package deal.”
The Sutton family members were enlisted by the same Navy recruiter. “One of the biggest honors of being a Navy recruiter”, Petty Officer First Class Ashley Hodges said describing working with the family
The Suttons believe they are the first triplets of color to enlist in the Navy at the same time.
Five Sutton children have reportedly enlisted in the Navy, WAVY reports, including two of the triplets’ siblings who also joined. The newest Sutton family member, a Navy sailor, just completed his enlistment last week. Ayrion and Andrea Sutton are already serving at duty posts in Norfolk and Oceana. Adrion Sutton is expected to arrive at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois in February to begin basic training.
Watch the video below for more details:
Sources: WesternJournal, WAVY-TV, Wcvb