Success Story

For Zack Ferguson, a sunset at sea can still take his breath away.

“Sometimes I’ll look out over the horizon and think, ‘Wow, I can’t believe they’re paying me for this,’” he says with a laugh. But those moments of quiet awe are only part of the story. As a 2nd Officer, Navigator with Military Sealift Command (MSC), Zack has found a career that combines service, travel, and personal growth.

Raised near Lake Michigan in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zack grew up around the water, spending summers sailing and fishing. But a career at sea wasn’t always part of the plan. “I didn’t realize I wanted a nontraditional job until after high school,” he explains. That realization led him to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, where he learned the foundations of navigation and built the decision-making skills essential for life at sea.

Zack’s first exposure to MSC came as a cadet aboard the USNS Rappahannock and USNS Richard E. Byrd. “From that point on, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he says. After graduating, he signed on with MSC in 2021 and quickly found himself in positions of increasing responsibility, sailing as Third Mate and Second Mate on the USNS Supply and USNS Alan Shepard.

Life at sea, he says, is a mix of calm and chaos, and that’s part of what he enjoys most. “Some days are peaceful; others are hectic and stressful. But that variety keeps the job interesting.” He’s come to appreciate the unique culture aboard MSC ships, where hard work meets joint effort and camaraderie. “We work hard, but we also find time to enjoy port calls and relax with our shipmates.” Zack describes his stateroom as his sanctuary, a place he personalizes to feel more like home. Off-duty, he might be reading, watching a movie with crewmates, or working out. And while the transition to living at sea took a few weeks, he credits hobbies, routine, and a sense of purpose for helping him adjust.

There have been plenty of highlights along the way. He vividly recalls conducting his first Underway Replenishment approach and standing beneath a helicopter during a Vertical Replenishment operation. “Those moments stick with you,” he says. “They’re a rush, but also a reminder of the responsibility we carry.”

Seeing the world is the icing on the cake for Zack. His favorite destinations include Spain, Greece, Dubai, and especially Thailand, where he was struck by the richness of the culture and the contrast to life back home. “Traveling with MSC has opened my eyes to how people live around the world. It’s broadened my perspective in ways I didn’t expect.”

That global view comes with personal accomplishment, too. Zack recently upgraded his license to Chief Mate Unlimited, a major professional milestone. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” he says. “The opportunity for advancement is one of the biggest benefits of working for MSC.”

But for Zack, it’s not just about the ports and promotions. “What I like best is knowing I’m supporting the U.S. Navy and its servicemembers. It gives the job meaning.” While the long stretches away from home can be tough, the rewards—both personal and professional—make it worthwhile.

When he’s ashore, Zack spends as much time as possible with friends and family. He’s currently renovating a house back in Grand Rapids and enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding dirt bikes. Even at home, he’s driven to keep learning and building.

His advice for anyone considering a career with MSC? “Be prepared to work hard and spend long periods away. But if you can do that, you’ll advance quickly and make great money. It’s not for everyone, but for the right kind of person, it’s a great life.”

Zack isn’t sure yet if he’ll retire from MSC—but for now, he’s in no rush to step ashore permanently. “As long as I keep enjoying it, I’ll keep sailing,” he says. “And honestly, the best experience is always the next one.”