She’s proudly following in her mom’s footsteps — all the way to sea!

In a heartwarming story of legacy, love, and service, a mother and daughter have made U.S. Navy history by serving together aboard the same ship — the USS Gerald R. Ford. According to Good Morning America (ABC News), Racquel McCray and her mother, Chief Logistics Specialist Tonya McCray, recently shared a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work side by side while deployed at sea.

For Racquel, the ocean has always been part of her life’s story. Born to two Navy parents, she grew up watching both her mother and father don their uniforms each morning, embodying the discipline, pride, and sacrifice that come with military life. So, when she turned 18, it felt only natural to continue the family tradition.

“I chose to join because I watched my parents for my entire life,” Racquel told GMA. “They both served, so watching them every day go to work made me actually want to follow in their footsteps — with how successful they were and what they were able to provide for my sister and me.”

After enlisting in May, Racquel joined the same Navy specialty as her mom — logistics. When she learned there might be a way to serve alongside Tonya, she wasted no time applying for the assignment.

Tonya, who has served more than two decades in the Navy, admitted she was initially unsure whether her daughter was serious about enlisting. “At first, I didn’t think she’d go through with it,” Tonya said. “But once I saw her commitment — the way she studied, trained, and pushed herself — I couldn’t have been prouder.” (Military.com)

When Racquel was assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford — the Navy’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier — the reality of their shared mission hit home. “It took some coordination between our chains of command,” Tonya explained, “but everyone saw it as a unique training opportunity.”

The USS Gerald R. Ford, commissioned in 2017 and based in Norfolk, Virginia, represents the future of naval aviation. The ship carries more than 4,500 crew members and symbolizes the cutting edge of American naval power (CNN). For the McCrays, however, it was more than just a warship — it was a symbol of connection across generations.

“I was able to share what I do with my daughter every day,” Tonya told GMA. “She saw the level of respect my position receives, how hard my team works, and how leadership looks in action. Watching her learn and seeing her grow into that environment was incredible.”

For Racquel, those few weeks on board were more than a professional experience — they were deeply personal. “It was a great experience for me, even though it only lasted four weeks,” she said. “I would have liked for it to be longer, but it was really meaningful to see the benefits of all of my mom’s hard work.”

Serving together offered a glimpse into both the challenges and the rewards of military life. “It’s not easy being away from family,” Tonya shared. “But to have your child there beside you, learning the same values you’ve lived your whole career — that’s something I’ll never forget.” (Navy Times)

Mother-daughter service duos are rare in the U.S. Navy, but they represent a growing legacy of women serving across generations. According to The Department of Defense, women now make up more than 20% of active-duty enlisted sailors — a historic high that continues to climb each year.

As the two McCrays move forward in their respective naval careers, they remain proud of their shared milestone. “I never imagined my daughter would wear the same uniform as me, let alone serve on the same ship,” Tonya said. “But here we are — side by side. It’s a blessing.”

The pair’s story has inspired many across the military community and beyond — a reminder that service, like love, often runs deep in families.

Congratulations, Racquel and Tonya — and thank you both for your dedication and service to the nation.