Capt. Rich Sussman concluded his 35-year Navy career by administering the oath of enlistment to his son, Matthew, on his final day of service. Matthew had long expressed interest in following his father’s path, and Christine Sussman noted in the announcement that he became most enthusiastic about the idea once he started discussing enlistment.
The ceremony took place at the Albany Military Entrance Processing Station in June, where Matthew raised his right hand and swore into the Navy. Capt. Sussman, commanding officer of Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center, stood at attention with his son before reciting the oath, visibly moved by the moment.
Matthew will report to boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois, marking both the start of his Navy career and the end of his father’s. Capt. Sussman commissioned in 1995 after attending the Merchant Marine Academy in 1991, calling the experience a tremendous honor and expressing pride in passing the Navy legacy to his son.
