Damage Controlman First Class Scott Stiverson, an assessor at the Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest recently reenlisted for six years of service in the U.S. Navy at a ceremony near one of his favorite recreational spots—Mount Pilchuck.

Stiverson, a native of Omaha, Neb., has already served the surface Navy for 14 years, 18 months of which have been at the training command in Everett.

Braving the cold temperatures and icy conditions, six shipmates watched Stiverson raise his right hand to take the oath of office at the Verlot Ranger Station, a beautiful venue on the spectacular Mountain Loop Highway.

“Having my reenlistment here meant a great deal to me. I spend much of my off time hiking in western Washington and I have made several trips to the top of Mount Pilchuck. It is very serene and quiet up here,” he said.

Another avid hiker and mountain man, Chief Warrant Officer Arch Bly administered the oath of office.

Starting his naval career as a Patternmaker, Stiverson has served on USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Holland (AS 32).

He has also worked at Intermediate Maintenance Facilities, Mayport, Fla. and in San Diego, Calif. He is a qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.

Boatswain Mate First Class Corey Velasquez, standing tall in front of his department head and reenlisting officer, Lt. Elaine Graham, raised his right hand and repeated the oath of office for the third time in his 17-year naval career to reenlist for three years of service in the U.S. Navy.

The ceremony was held in the offices of the Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest while more than fifty office mates watched in silent support. Petty Officer Velasquez said he was presently surprised at the number of office mates who were able to attend.

“I know many of you are busy right now, and some are doing work on the ships. But seeing you here makes me really feel good about the decision I made to stay navy,” he said.

Also present at the event was the Commodore of ATG PACNORWEST, Cmdr. Jona-than Christian.

“This is a big step in a naval career, to stand up before your peers, raise your right hand and commit yourself to the service of the country, and I know that would be a harder decision to make if you didn’t have the support on the home front from your family. We thank them as well,” said Christian.

Velasquez has served on board USS Leftwich (DD 984), USS Camden (AOE 2), and USS David R. Ray (DD 971) where he qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. He also served at Station Operations and Maintenance Squadron, MCBH Kaneohe, Hawaii before arriving to ATG PACNORWEST

Velasquez is from Pueblo, Colo.