Success Story

Kevin Curtiss didn’t grow up near the ocean. He didn’t dream of working on a ship. In fact, he’ll tell you he wasn’t even drawn to the water. But after 12 years in the Navy and a Red Cross mission that put him aboard a Military Sealift Command vessel, his path changed. It’s been five years since that first encounter with MSC. Today, Kevin is thriving in a career that lets him see the world, support his family, and chase new goals with every voyage.

Finding His Sea Legs Kevin served as a Culinary Specialist in the Navy, working his way up to the rank of E-5 in the Supply department. Patience, he says, was the most important skill he picked up along the way. “It’ll take you a long way out here,” he adds with a grin.

The Navy gave him structure and skills. Working as a CIVMAR with MSC gave him something else. Privacy. Freedom. A room of his own. No more climbing into a rack or sharing a shower with 50 people in berthing. “MSC ships feel like an RV on water,” he says. “Everything I need, and more than I expected.”

Kevin joined MSC in 2019 as an Ordinary Seaman aboard the USNS Washington Chambers. He hasn’t looked back. Since then, he’s earned his Able Seaman credential and completed coursework to sit for the Coast Guard exam to become a Third Mate.That kind of upward mobility is something he’s proud of. But it’s not the only thing. “I bought my house. Paid off my car. Cleared out my debts. That’s a big deal!”

Life on Board Ask Kevin to describe life at sea and he doesn’t hesitate: calm, beautiful, and fun. He’s quick to point out the difference between Navy and MSC culture. Transparency. Camaraderie. A little bit of challenge, sure, but also a lot of reward. His stateroom feels like home, complete with family photos, a PS5, and his trusty projector. It’s not just a room. It’s a space that reflects who he is. And after hours? “You’ll find me in the lounge, swapping sea stories. Or online talking to my kids. If we’ve got service, I’ll call. If not, I’ll email. Either way, I check in every day.”

The pace of ship life suits him. No traffic. No long commutes. Just work, community, and a horizon that shifts with every assignment. When the seas are still, he steps outside just to think. He’s been doing that since his Navy days and it hasn’t lost its magic.

Around the World and Back Again Italy was a standout for Kevin. He hiked Mount Vesuvius and wandered the ruins of Pompeii. In the Philippines, he volunteered at an elementary school. And in Colombia, his favorite destination so far, he fell in love with the food and the rhythm of Spanish culture.

Traveling through new regions has sharpened his adaptability and opened his mind to different ways of living. The greetings. The meals. The sense of harmony among his international crewmates. “You don’t expect those small things to change how you think. But they do.”

Kevin’s favorite tour was aboard the USNS Burlington during a South American assignment. That’s when he knew he wanted to stay with MSC for the long haul. Retirement? “Yeah, I can see that.”

A Message to Veterans Kevin knows what it’s like to transition out of the military. His advice to others thinking about it: don’t wait.“Start early. Civilian life isn’t the military. The sooner you get used to that, the better your transition will be.” He believes MSC is a smart next step for veterans. Not just because of the benefits and the pay, but because it keeps the mission alive. It’s a continuation of service, with more personal freedom. “You travel the world for free and get paid well to do it. What else can you ask for?”