After 27-years in the Navy, a Dearborn native has made history as one of the first American Muslims to command his own naval ship.
Commander Houssain “Sam” Sareini took command of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) at a ceremony on April 9 in Portsmouth, VA.
“I am humbled and privileged to serve as USS Nitze’s commanding officer,” Sareini said, Arab American News reported.
“To wear the cloth of our country and to lead people into harm’s way is a great responsibility. To serve is an honor. We live for others, is something Islam has taught me and military service allows me to do that.”
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Born and raised in Dearborn to Lebanese parents, Sareini graduated from Fordson high school in 1993 and decided to join the Navy a year later at 18-years-old.
During his career, Sareini has received multiple decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, along with various unit awards.
Success Story
Sam is the brother of Councilman Mike Sareini and the son of former Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini.
“He didn’t get to where he is today the easy way,” Councilman Sareini said.
“He went through this by enlisting at 18-years-old and has had to excel at everything to get to where he is. We believe he is the first Muslim to be in command of his own ship, but that has not yet been 100 percent confirmed.”
Commander Sareini said the key to success is believing.
“Our culture and community are built on our faith and our families,” he said.
“As long as you stay grounded in those two things, you will live a successful life.”
Sareini is one of about 5,000 Muslim-Americans who currently serve in the United States military.
Muslims have also served in numerous conflicts dating back to the founding of the United States, including soldiers Yusuf Ben Ali and Bampett Muhammad in the Revolutionary War, Captain Moses Osman in the Civil War, and numerous Muslims in World War II.
American Muslims, like many other Americans, have also opposed participation in wars that they considered unjust, including boxer Muhammad Ali, who famously refused to fight in the Vietnam War.