From Taguig to Doctorate: Navy Sailor’s Journey Inspires Others

A U.S. Navy sailor who immigrated from the Philippines two decades ago has just earned a doctorate — his fifth degree, earned largely at sea. Petty Officer 1st Class James Viar, from Taguig, Metro Manila, finished it at Oklahoma State University.

“I reached this goal one class at a time through sea duty, duties ashore and family responsibilities,” Viar said. “I hope this reminds other sailors, regardless of rank, that steady effort toward any meaningful goal can add up over time.”

Viar is stationed in Millington, Tennessee, where he serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) and executive assistant to the U.S. 2nd Fleet chief of staff. He joined the Navy in 2007, two years after moving to the United States.

Degrees Piled Up During Sea Duty

Before that, Viar earned a Master of Health Administration from Louisiana State University in 2022 and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University in 2021. A Master of Public Administration from University of Phoenix followed in 2013.

Viar’s academic path started well before he enlisted. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Centro Escolar University in 2005, the same year he graduated from Pasig Catholic College and immigrated to the United States.

“I joined the U.S. Navy to serve the country I now call home,” Viar said. “Nearly 20 years later, I remain grateful for the people and experiences that have shaped me.”

That sense of purpose has stuck with him through nearly two decades in uniform. “Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” Viar said, describing how the job shaped his growth as a person and a professional.

“It has allowed me to serve my country, provide for my family, grow as a person and learn from people from many backgrounds,” Viar said. “I have learned that service is also about taking care of people, contributing to the mission and helping others succeed.”

Family, Mentors Fueled the Climb

Viar was quick to credit the people around him for making his Navy career and education possible. He singled out his wife and daughters first, along with the parents and mentors who shaped him early on.

“I would like to thank my wife, Rachelle, and our daughters, Sofia and Savannah, for their love, patience and support,” Viar added. “I also want to thank my parents for the values they gave me, along with the leaders, mentors and shipmates who encouraged me.”

“Whatever I have accomplished, I did not accomplish it alone,” Viar said. His story lands as the Navy leans on sailors like him to keep the fleet running.

Roughly 90% of global commerce travels by sea, and internet access depends on undersea fiber-optic cables the Navy helps protect. Navy officials say the country’s prosperity is directly tied to recruiting and retaining talented people nationwide.

Viar’s case reflects the kind of talent pipeline Navy officials are highlighting this year. The Navy is commemorating its role in national defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.

For more than 250 years, according to Navy officials, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. Viar’s own path, from Taguig to a doctorate, is one small piece of that record.