Tyler Burroughs Serving Aboard The U.S.Navy’s Newest Amphibious Assault Ship

Tyler Burroughs, a native of Loxahatchee, joined the U.S. Navy less than a year ago. Today, Burroughs serves aboard the USS Tripoli.

“I joined the Navy because I want to be a Navy diver,” Burroughs said. “I plan to go to rescue summer school for the ship to get my qualifications. I will go on deployment next year, and after that I’m hoping to go to dive school.”

Growing up in Loxahatchee, Burroughs attended Seminole Ridge High School and graduated in 2020. He uses the same skills and values learned there to succeed in the military.

“Growing up, I was taught that everyone comes from a different background, so it’s best to treat everyone with respect,” Burroughs said. “I was also taught to work hard for what you want. As I mentioned, I want to be a diver, but that’s something I’ll have to work hard for.”

These lessons have helped Burroughs while serving in the Navy.

The USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.

“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task — get this ship ready,” said Capt. John Kiefaber, the USS Tripoli’s executive officer. “They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Serving in the Navy means Burroughs is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“I think the Navy contributes to national security because our adversaries are out in the ocean, but so are we,” Burroughs said. “Our forward presence is what the Navy does a really good job at. We show the world we’re here and ready to defend when needed.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas and defend our way of life,” Gilday said.

Burroughs and the other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. “My proudest naval accomplishment is coming in with a plan,” Burroughs said. “I haven’t served for very long, but I know where I want to go and how to get there.”

As Burroughs and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“To me, serving in the Navy means carrying on a legacy of serving the country like all of my family members who served before me,” Burroughs said. “My dad was in the Coast Guard, my uncle was in the Navy and my grandpa was in the Army, one of my cousins is in the Air Force and another cousin was in the Navy, so I get to follow in all of their footsteps.”