Virginia siblings become first Black triplets to join the Navy

By Joanne Aran & Amanda Su

Being in the Navy is a family affair for the Sutton siblings, Ayrion, Andrea, and Adrion. The 20-year-olds from Virginia recently enlisted together, making history as the first Black triplets to do so, according to the Navy Recruitment Office.

The siblings were inspired by their parents Andre Sutton and Tiffany Sutton, who met while serving on the USS Arctic in 1999. The triplets have in turn inspired their father, who recently reenlisted.

The idea to enlist originated with Adrion Sutton, the youngest of the triplets, who has wanted to join the Navy since the beginning of high school.

"What motivated me to join was hearing my parents talk about how good the Navy was when we was growing up and seeing my dad come home from long months, not being at home and taking care of the family," Adrion Sutton told "GMA3."

Courtesy of Sutton Family

While growing up, the Sutton triplets, pictured attending elementary school, often asked about their parents' experiences serving in the Navy.

When they were young, the siblings often inquired about the time their parents spent serving in the military, according to Tiffany Sutton, who said she always spoke highly of the experience.

"I couldn't find a better job," she said in an interview with "GMA3."

Andre Sutton, who is from the projects in Allentown, Pennsylvania, said he originally joined the Navy for the opportunities it afforded.

"I love the people [in Allentown]. I love the town. You know, I'm grateful," he told "GMA3." "But that environment is not where I wanted to be in life, so I decided to go forward."

A week before they left for deployment, Tiffany Sutton said she was going down to the mess decks when she saw Andre Sutton for the first time.

"I walked past him, and I thought I saw sunshine," she said. "I even called my mom and told her I found my husband."

"The rest is history," Andre Sutton said.

Andre Sutton served for 12 years in the Navy before entering the Merchant Marine. He currently works as a bosun for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.

Courtesy of Sutton Family

Andre and Tiffany Sutton met while serving on the USS Arctic in 1999.

Now, 22 years later, he said he's "going back into reserves, so I can serve with my kids."

"My children inspired me," he said.

Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture told "GMA3" that people join the Navy for "lots of different reasons."

"But I think what family members learn from their parents, or maybe grandparents who have served is that there is a place for them to leverage their unique talents and to learn and grow and to try something new," she said.

Courtesy of Sutton Family

Andrea, Adrion, and Ayrion Sutton are the first Black triplets to enlist in the Navy together.

For the siblings, being the first Black triplets in the Navy is just part of their "everyday life," Andrea Sutton said. But she noted it also represents a family legacy of bravery and service.

"A lot of people would not do this," Andrea Sutton said. "So for all three of us and our dad and mom, for all of us to do this, this is like a really big thing."

Ayrion Sutton agreed, adding, "It feels good to serve my country. It's an honor to put on this uniform at the end of the day."