Sailor with family ties to Wasilla serves with U.S. Navy in the Pacific Northwest

BANGOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Amberson, whose parents, Doug and Kathleen Amberson, live in Wasilla, Alaska, serves the U.S. Navy at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Amberson is a 2006 graduate of Galena High School.

Amberson joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Amberson serves as a Navy diver.

“Both sides of my family have served in the military in every branch except for the Marines,” said Amberson. “When I was looking into joining, I wanted to do something that was both physically and mentally challenging. I looked into what the Navy had and came across Navy diving. It seemed challenging and offered a wide range of jobs and locations. The more I investigated Navy divers, the more it seemed to fit what I could see myself doing.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Amberson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“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.”

Amberson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My time spent at Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 is the highlight of my career so far,” said Amberson. “I am proud of that because we had an awesome team and we were able to accomplish some amazing jobs on deployment.”

Amberson can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I don’t think of my job as serving,” said Amberson. “I don’t know if I have ever really thought of it that way. Being able to be a part of the diving community midway through my career, helping the younger divers learn and become the best divers they can be is what means the most to me. The younger sailors are what motivate me to be the best diver I can be.”

Amberson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my dad, Douglas Amberson, for teaching me how to be a good worker and for teaching me what's important,” added Amberson. “I also want to thank Chief Baker for being the smartest person I know and for the leadership and knowledge qualities he possesses.”