Franklin Waters was born on April 21, 1947, in Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 22, 1964, and went on active duty to begin basic training on November 22, 1965. After completing basic training, he attended Underwater Demolition Team Replacement training with Class 037 (East Coast) at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, from April to August 1966, followed by Under Water Swimmers School at Naval Base Key West, Florida, from August to October 1966. Petty Officer Waters served briefly with Naval Surface Forces Atlantic at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, from October 1966 to February 1967, and then aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) from February to May 1967. His next assignment was with Underwater Demolition Team TWENTY-ONE (UDT-21) at NAB Little Creek from May 1967 to May 1968, followed by service with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek from May 1968 until he was killed in a parachute training accident in Suffolk, Virginia, on November 18, 1971. During his time with SEAL Team TWO, Petty Officer Waters deployed to South Vietnam from October 1968 to April 1969, and again from February to August 1970.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.