Petty Officer 3rd Class Madison Feix, a native of West Alexandria, and Twin Valley South graduate, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington.
Submitted photo|Ensign Siennah Spriggs
SEATTLE — Petty Officer 3rd Class Madison Feix, a native of West Alexandria, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
Feix graduated from Twin Valley South High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in West Alexandria.
“Growing up in a small town, I had the mindset of always helping others out and supporting others when they need it,” said Feix.
Feix joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Feix serves as a boatswain’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” said Feix. “I’ve stayed in the Navy for my nephew and nieces. I want to provide a positive role model for them.”
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90 percent 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.
“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.”
Feix has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud to serve as a divisional and departmental career counselor to help others with their personnel questions,” said Feix. “This can be about their choices in the Navy or their transition out of the Navy.”
Feix serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the opportunity to help junior sailors continue their careers,” said Feix.
Feix is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Debi Karns, my mother, for being my number one supporter throughout my career, especially through deployments and my move overseas,” added Feix. “I also want to send a shoutout to my brother, Bradly Henderson. He and my mother both keep me connected while I’m away.”
