I was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command on 9/11. While studying, I overheard a sailor say a small plane had hit the World Trade Center. As the son of a pilot, I immediately went to the cafeteria to see a television. Moments later, I stood in stunned silence as the second plane hit. In that moment, we became a nation at war — and I became a son deeply concerned about where my dad was flying that day. By the grace of God, his flight out of Atlanta that morning was cancelled. The tragedy of 9/11 strengthened my resolve to serve and defend our nation.

During my Navy career, I deployed around the world and operated against — or in the immediate vicinity of — the military forces of four of America’s most dangerous adversaries: Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. These experiences gave me a unique understanding of national security. Over 20 years of service, I served at 13 duty stations, visited more than 35 countries, and conducted missions critical to America’s safety. Whether operating a submarine in the South China Sea, deploying to Japan for Operation TOMODACHI after the Great Japanese Earthquake, or conducting operations aboard the USS Eisenhower in the North Arabian Sea, I was honored to wear our nation’s uniform — and I am proud of that service.