I grew up in a family with a military service tradition. My father flew B-17's in Europe in World War II, and when I was four and my parents decided to move from New York to Florida, we settled in Satellite Beach, FL, next to Patrick AFB because my father (then retired from the advertising business in New York) liked to be around pilots.

After graduating from Cocoa Beach High School in Cocoa Beach, FL, I turned down a scholarship to Florida State University because I felt a burning desire to enlist in the Navy as a crypto-linguist. I went through 2.5 years of basic and advanced Russian training at the Defense Language Institute on the grounds of the Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, CA, followed by cryptology school at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX. My career took an unexpected turn when the Berlin Wall came down, my career prospects disappeared and I took a Congressional appointment to USNA via NAPS.

After commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer I had a challenging and rewarding DIVO tour aboard a pre-commission destroyer, USS DECATUR DDG 73, built in Maine and stationed in San Diego. I saw the ship through the late phase of construction through sea trials, christening, commissioning, more sea trials and prep for deployment. My second officer tour as the Assistant Auxiliaries Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN C STENNIS CVN 74 was cut short by my discharge under DADT.

During my nearly twelve years active duty in the Navy, including my four years at USNA, I experienced a lot. It was challenging to come of age and grapple with my sexuality while active duty in the Navy, and yet despite the difficulties I left with a valuable enlisted and officer experience that proved to myself I could succeed under any level of difficulty. I am grateful to the Navy for that experience, and for the great lifelong friendships I gained during those years, and in fact I’ve returned to work for the Navy as a business and technology consultant since 2007. Every day when I arrive at work at the Washington Navy Yard I feel renewed in my desire to serve in the best capacity I can and to offer whatever assistance and support possible to my fellow enlisted, midshipmen and officer comrades.

Through USNA Out I’ve had the honor and privilege of supporting gay and lesbian mids and officers, and through them I’ve met a wide array of their friends and shipmates who’ve shown me that sailors in general appreciate any useful support that helps them achieve success and better themselves, regardless of our sexual orientation. That’s what the Navy is about to me – achieving the mission and helping each other out along the way. My experiences and travels in the Navy have exceeded my expectations for personal, career and intellectual growth, and despite the challenges I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything.

I eagerly look forward the repeal of DADT and the ability for all servicemembers to serve openly, but I know that before and during that transition we’ll need all hands on deck to support those in need of support. I had no resources like USNA Out when I needed it, and like many I felt lost and without anywhere to turn for trustworthy advice. I feel it’s my mission to ensure that others following me have access the helpful, safe and responsible support that many of us didn’t have.

In 1998 while on active duty as an officer in San Diego, I met the person who became my life partner, a then college student who has gone on to become a great chef. He and I are 12 years into a fulfilling relationship that has seen numerous moves, career changes and personal challenges, and I have to thank the Navy for bringing me to San Diego!

Please feel free to contact me here at USNA Out.

Sincerely,

Skip Muller '96