Discovery Cove celebrates the 244th Birthday of the US Navy with Underwater Reenlistment Ceremony
Discovery Cove recently celebrated the 244th Birthday of the United States Navy by hosting Chief Petty Officer Jessica Featherall and her family for an unforgettable underwater reenlistment ceremony at Discovery Cove’s SeaVenture. Many service members choose to reenlist after their military contracts are up and in recent years, it has become popular to do so in unique ways.
After a 12-year military career, United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Featherall, a resident of Tampa, decided SeaVenture, Discovery Cove’s once-in-a-lifetime, undersea experience, was exactly how she wanted to celebrate her reenlistment for three additional years of service to our nation’s armed forces.
“I wanted to reenlist while diving somewhere very picturesque and partner with a place that would be willing to help make my vision of an underwater reenlistment a reality,” said Chief Featherall. “I can’t thank Discovery Cove enough for helping me mark this important milestone in my life.”
Lieutenant Junior Grade Van Vredenburgh administered the oath of enlistment to Chief Featherall 15 feet underwater. The ceremony was witnessed by Todd Helms, Chief Featherall’s father, who retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service. Immediately following the reenlistment ceremony, Chief Featherall, Senior Officer Vredenburgh and Mr. Helms experienced one-on-one encounters with unique animals, schools of fish and velvety rays as they completed their SeaVenture journey.
“We were delighted to host Chief Featherall and her family, and to serve as the site of her reenlistment ceremony, “said Kyle Miller, Park President. “Discovery Cove is proud to support members of the military and veterans who have sacrificed so much in defense of the freedoms we enjoy. Hosting Chief Featherall is the least we can do to say thank you for her service and sacrifice.”
Visitors can enjoy a complimentary SeaVenture upgrade for bookings through October 28 for visits through November 30. For more information, visit www.DiscoveryCove.com.
