Chief Petty Officer Bryson May, originally from Tell City, Indiana, is currently serving aboard the USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship based at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is presently in a Seattle shipyard for routine maintenance.
May, a 2008 graduate of Tell City High School, believes that the skills and values he learned in his hometown align closely with those required for success in the Navy. “Running cross country and swimming taught me that consistent results require consistent effort,” May reflected. “It took good coaches and teammates to realize my potential.”
Fourteen years ago, May enlisted in the Navy, inspired by his family’s military background. “My grandpa was a Marine, and a significant amount of my dad’s family is former and current Navy,” he said.
The USS Barry is a multi-mission destroyer capable of operating independently or as part of a larger fleet. It is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
The ship’s crew consists of over 300 sailors, each with highly specialized roles ranging from engine maintenance to weapon handling, all essential to keeping the vessel mission-ready. Navy officials emphasize the importance of recruiting and retaining skilled individuals to ensure the nation’s prosperity and security, with 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access depending on the security of undersea fiber optic cables.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
May takes pride in the opportunities he has to help others during his military service. “Whenever a sailor comes to me needing help, whether personal or professional, that’s validation that there is trust and credibility instilled in me,” May shared. “I feel honored that that person would come to me to help meet their goals. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
Serving in a Navy that operates globally around the clock, May sees his role as a means of fulfilling his duty to his country. “The Navy is my conduit to citizenship,” he explained. “I was born an American. I was born a citizen, but I believe that there is an obligation I have towards anyone that is or who wants to be an American. That obligation is to support our constitution and their rights within. The Navy has allowed me the perspective to view America inside and out and to feel pride that I have fully participated in defending it and its people.”
May is also grateful to those who have supported him throughout his Navy career. “I want to send a special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Paige,” he added. “I’d also like to send a shoutout to Dalton, Spencer, Brad, and Justin.”
Reflecting on his extensive experience, May said, “I am a tin-can sailor (serving aboard destroyers). I’ve done every job you can imagine, seen dozens of countries on every continent but Antarctica, and I’ve put a million miles of water under the keel. However, it’s important that I send a special acknowledgment to my wife, Kara May, who is also a Navy veteran. I also want to send a shoutout to my wife’s sisters, Megan Bellus and Skylar Parris, who both have naval service. I want to acknowledge my wife’s father, Ken Bellus, who served in the Marine Corps. Since my wife’s family has so much lived experience in the military, they have been valuable to our marriage and our service. Finally, I want to thank my mom for starting a conversation all those years ago. I love you, Mom, and miss you.
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