Success Story

Anchored in Purpose: Becky Berger’s Life at Sea

“Demanding, exhilarating, and adventurous.” That’s how Becky Berger sums up life at sea, and after more than a decade with Military Sealift Command, she’s earned the right to say it with conviction.

Now serving as a Damage Control Officer at MSC’s San Diego Training Center, Becky has sailed the globe, worked across both coasts, and climbed the ranks from her first role as a third officer aboard the USNS Laramie. When she first stepped onto that ship at age 22, she was one of just five women on board and the only female officer. She didn’t know exactly where the journey would take her, but she was ready.

“I’ve always liked to challenge myself,” she says. “I was already used to being away from home from college and sleepaway camp. The idea of being out at sea didn’t scare me. I dove in.”

That undeniable drive became the throughline in a career shaped by meaningful service, unexpected joy, and more than a few karaoke nights.

Life on an MSC ship, Becky says, can feel like working in an office building surrounded by nothing but ocean. It’s a lifestyle of contrasts: intense workdays balanced by beachside dinners in foreign ports, long stretches away from home followed by months of leave, and quiet evenings in your stateroom that might end with a card game or a shared movie in the lounge.

What kept her grounded was embracing both sides of that life. She found comfort in independence and connection through shared mission.

“I’ve been lucky,” she says. “Every ship I’ve worked on, east coast or west, we had a strong culture. The work comes first, but we also knew how to enjoy each other’s company. That balance made all the difference.”

And when the environment needed a lift? Becky pulled out decorations for every holiday on the calendar. From St. Patrick’s Day to Christmas, she made sure the lounges, offices, and staterooms felt festive.

Becky didn’t land at MSC by chance. After working with MARAD aboard the SUNY Maritime training ship, she set her sights on civil service. The mission spoke to her.

“I feel a sense of honor that we’re out there with the Navy, fueling the fight and keeping people fed,” she says. “We make a real difference.”

Her favorite assignment was serving as Cargo Mate on the USNS Carl Brashear.

“It was like catching lightning in a bottle,” she recalls. “We all worked to our strengths and covered for each other’s weaknesses. I was learning from truly salty mariners, and we celebrated each other’s successes.”

Becky’s list of accomplishments is long: earning her Unlimited Master’s License, attending Small Arms Instructor School, and leading complex ordnance transfer operations across multiple vessels. She’s seen the inside of shipyards, karaoke bars in Japan, and relaxing spas in the Philippines. She’s led training teams, served as an officer on some of MSC’s most critical ships, and earned the respect of peers across departments.

Why MSC? MSC offered Becky more than a job. It offered stability, structure, and space to grow. Now working shoreside, she sees even more long-term potential.

“That’s one of the benefits,” she says. “You can stay in the Command, try different departments, move into training or support roles. There’s room to grow here.”

She also points to the sense of purpose that comes with civil service. MSC mariners aren’t just moving cargo. They’re supporting the fleet, enabling global missions, and doing work that matters.

“Even on holidays, we’re out there with the Navy. That means something.”

For those just starting out, Becky’s advice is simple: go in with open eyes and an open mind. Talk with your family about what to expect before you head out.

“Life at sea is different, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Make sure you pack things that bring you joy. Books, crafts, playlists—whatever helps you recharge. You’ll have time to yourself, and that’s a gift not everyone gets.”

She also encourages new mariners to take advantage of every port call. “Get out of the food court. Try something local. Explore. Experience the culture. This is your chance to see the world while doing meaningful work. Make it count.”