This Temple, Texas Native Serves Aboard The U.S. Navy’s Newest Warship

We love giving a big Central Texas shoutout to our U.S. Military members every chance we get, and this Temple, Texas native is keeping our country safe while serving aboard the United States Navy's newest warship - the USS Fort Lauderdale.

Get our free mobile app

The USS Fort Lauderdale was commissioned on July 30, 2022 and operates out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Meet Hunter Esper

Esper grew up in Temple and graduated from Belton High School in 2020. Esper joined the Unites Stated Navy 18 months ago and now serves as a damage controlman. Serving in the Navy is a family tradition that Esper was looking forward to continuing, saying:

Esper adds, “Serving in the Navy means I am a part of something bigger than myself.” He credits his upbringing in Temple for his work ethic and the value he places in the things he's worked hard to earn.

USS Fort Lauderdale

The USS Fort Lauderdale is an amphibious transport dock ship used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies. The USS Fort Lauderdale will also be used for assault, special operations and serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious operations if necessary.

90% of all trade travels by sea and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables are laid on the ocean floor. One mission of the Navy is to protect and accelerate America's advantage at sea.

Fireman Hunter Esper is a proud sailor and takes pride in serving his country in the United States Navy.

“The Navy contributes to the National Defense Strategy because our presence is known around the world,” Esper says. "That deters our adversaries."

Thank You!

Hunter, we salute you and thank you for your service and protecting our way of life. We know you'll make Temple and your family proud.