Detroit native, Terique Birl, serves aboard forward- deployed Navy warship in Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 3rd Class Terique Birl, a native of Detroit, Michigan, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.

Birl joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Birl serves as a quartermaster aboard USS Shoup.

"I wanted to learn the in-and-outs of the Navy, and then go to law school," said Birl.

Growing up in Detroit, Birl attended Michigan Technical Academy and graduated in 2009.

Today, Birl relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Detroit to succeed in the military.

"Growing up, I learned to always keep grinding and to always working hard at what...