Navy
Making a splash: Navy diver reenlists underwater during Fleet Week 2025
Stars and Stripes
May 25, 2025
Engineering Aide Second Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)
U.S. Navy diver Engineering Aide 2nd Class Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank in San Pedro, Calif., on Saturday.
Baker reaffirmed his oath before a crowd of spectators and fellow service members during a public demonstration of Underwater Construction Team TWO’s capabilities on the second day of Fleet Week — the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard’s weeklong celebration at major cities.
“This is a moment I’ll never forget,” said Baker, who is currently assigned to UCT TWO’s Construction Dive Detachment BRAVO. “Reenlisting underwater is more than just symbolic — it represents everything I’ve worked for and everything I love about being part of the diving community.”
Baker specializes in Engineering Reconnaissance, including hydrographic surveys, structural inspections and maritime infrastructure assessments critical to naval facility maintenance and readiness.
Hailing from Erie, Colo., Baker joined the Navy in 2021. He has deployed to Spain, Guam and the Philippines.
Engineering Aide 2nd Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)
Engineering Aide 2nd Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)
Engineering Aide 2nd Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)
Engineering Aide 2nd Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)
Engineering Aide 2nd Class (EA2) Samson Baker reenlisted for four more years of service while fully submerged inside a diver tank during an Underwater Construction Team (UCT) TWO demonstration during Fleet Week 2025. (Lyndsi Gutierrez/U.S. Navy)