A Springfield, Nebraska native completes his command tour at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo, Poland.
 |
| Capt. Rick Gilbert, and Master-at-Arms Seaman Grant Lockridge, cut the Navy Birthday cake in keeping with the naval tradition of the youngest and oldest Sailors present have the first pieces of cake during the first U.S. Navy Birthday ball in Poland. |
Capt. Rick Gilbert is the first Naval Security Officer to command an installation when he assumed command of the Navy’s newest installation and first installation in Poland in November 2016.
Gilbert is a member of Platteview High School’s 1982 graduating class. He enlisted in the Navy following his high school graduation. He is the son of Alice and Leon Gilbert, and grandson of Mike and Ruth Golda, from Springfield.
He is the first of his family to serve in the military. His two sons, Brandon and Brett, both followed in his footsteps by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S Navy, respectively. His daughter, Braylee, is continuing his Nebraska roots as a sophomore at the University of Nebraska, “GO BIG RED!”.
He attributes his career success to his upbringing in Springfield. Growing up, he lived on his grandparents’ farm where he developed a strong work ethic.
“Work hard and be thankful for what you have,” said Gilbert. “This is the mentality I learned from my childhood and what I strive to pass to my Sailors.”
 |
| Gilbert visits a local elementary school in Slupsk, Poland. |
As the son of deaf parents, Gilbert learned the important skill of listening. From a young age, he was introduced to the importance of translation and the meaning of words.
“I learned to de-escalate situations and translate people’s feelings into words,” said Gilbert. “Being able to translate for my parents made me into the leader that I am today.”
His mentor, James E Kohlbek, gave him his first job (painting) out of high school.
“He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and provided me with much needed guidance,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert met his wife, Miki Gilbert, in seventh grade at Platteview. They have been married for 35 years this year. They married shortly after Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy has made me a more understanding individual, slow to judge others, because I have seen many cultures and many different people,” said Gilbert. “If I were to stay in one location for my life, I would probably look at life through a different lens.”
His command tour in Poland marks the fourteenth move and fourth country for his family.
Gilbert concludes his command tour with several memories and experiences both professionally and personally.
As commanding officer of NSF Redzikowo, Gilbert coordinated more than $300 million in military construction projects and all related activities including the installation establishment ceremony in November 2016.
Gilbert equates his job as similar to being the military mayor of the base.
 |
| Gilbert and his wife, Miki Gilbert visit a local school in Redzikowo, Poland. |
“I look at the finances, make sure everyone understands their job in building a base and making it operational,” said Gilbert. “I coordinate with other entities outside of the base to include police forces, city mayors, and military entities in making sure we all have the same vision.”
A large part of his job extends beyond the fence line of NSF Redzikowo. Gilbert dedicated time to the local communities surrounding the base. In the last year, Gilbert and his Sailors visited 15 local schools interacting with Polish students in grades ranging from pre-school to high school.
Gilbert thinks that going out to the community and bringing his Sailors along with him gives the Sailors important life lessons.
“When I talk with my Sailors I tell them they are ambassadors for the United States of America. All actions you take here, you are representing your country,” said Gilbert.
Personally, Gilbert connected with the country of Poland in an unexpected way.
“The first family meal that I had here looked very similar to the meals I had in Springfield, Nebraska. The way people treated each other around the table and the feel of the family environment made me realize that I had a connection with this region,” said Gilbert.
Being assigned to NSF Redzikowo made him look at his ancestry and led him to find a small town one hour south of Prague where he found the church where his grandparents are registered.
Gilbert claims finding his roots was the most personally rewarding experience, and being able to command Sailors the way he wants is the most professionally rewarding experience of being in Poland.
“I feel very comfortable and confident that I am leaving NSF Redzikowo having built a solid foundation upon which the Polish and American relationship can continue to grow,” said Gilbert.