MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Schnell, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, serves aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy warship that transports and launches Marines from sea to shore as part of amphibious assault operations.
“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Schnell. “My brother, father and step father all previously served. I wanted to follow on in their footsteps and continue their legacy.”
Today, Schnell serves as a boatswains’ mate.
“We are the jack of all trades,” said Schnell. “As a boatswains’ mate we are in charge of the ship's honors and ceremonies, dropping the anchor, small boat operations, crane operations, amphibious operations, mooring and towing evolutions and flight operations.”
Growing up in Omaha, Schnell attended Westside High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Schnell uses the same skills and values learned in Omaha to succeed in the military.
“You never know what the people beside you are going through,” said Schnell “Do your best to help each other because you might be the reason someone smiles that day.”
Pearl Harbor is a he Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship designed to deliver Marines and their equipment in support of amphibious operations including landings via Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores.
Homeported in San Diego, Pearl Harbor is longer than two football fields at 610 feet. The ship is 84 feet wide and weighs more than 16,000 tons. It has four diesel engines that can push the ship through the water in excess of 25 mph.
Serving in the Navy means Schnell is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
While there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Schnell is most proud of being promoted to E5.
“I'm proud to have qualified Petty Officer in Charge in all deck department evolutions, making E-1 to E-5 in three years, being selected for Junior Sailor of the Year and most importantly, being able to be a part of the leadership of my department,” said Schnell.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Schnell, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy to me is a definitive way of telling our enemies, you can mess with us if you want, but we're going to make defeat that much more painful for you,” said Schnell. The United States Navy is a powerful force to be reckoned with.”