Andrew, Assistant Surveyor

In the navy

From 2016 to 2022, I was a sonar technician in the United States Navy, serving in Japan and mostly in San Diego. I hunted submarines and developed fire control solutions during training exercises. I also maintained the electronics of the sonar suite and supervised a team of 6-8 sailors. I served my full six-year enlistment in the Navy, and as my enlistment was set to expire, I felt that I wanted to go home to be with my family again and to see where I could go next.

An easy transition

After the Navy, I joined Fugro as an Assistant Surveyor. It was a very familiar operating environment for me, as I was used to spending time at sea. In the United States Navy, we frequently used our knowledge of oceanography to exploit the marine environment for anti-submarine warfare.

At Fugro, our marine knowledge also applies, especially with respect to acoustic positioning. The details of the water column are particularly important for long baseline and ultra-short baseline acoustic positioning. It was a great relief to find that Fugro's systems operate on many of the same principles I employed in the Navy, making it comforting and easy to get into the swing of things here.

A positive culture

What helped with the transition was the culture at Fugro; it is very positive. The command structure is fairly simple, so you know who's in charge and to whom you report, allowing you to adjust and go in the right direction. I was surprised to see many veterans working here, more than I expected, who understand where you're coming from. I've received a lot of really good feedback from the party chiefs about my work, and it is pleasant to be valued for that when out on a job, to be complimented for the things I worked for six years to cultivate.