SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Glassman, a native of Highland, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Glassman graduated from Citrus Valley High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Highland
“Growing up, I took a lot of electricity classes,” Glassman said. "Through that, I learned the fundamentals that would be the foundation I would build off of in nuclear school. My parents instilled in me at an early age the importance of education and that has helped me succeed through the intense training required for my job."
Glassman joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Glassman serves as an electrician's mate (nuclear).
“I chose the Navy because of my family's history,” Glassman said. "My grandfather and great-grandfather both served in the Navy and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My cousin was also joining at the same time and it seemed like an exciting opportunity to share our Navy experiences. The job I selected also provided a great opportunity to develop professionally."
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Glassman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is receiving my submarine warfare device and becoming a fully qualified electrician on the submarine,” Glassman said. "The schooling alone takes two years, and to receive your qualifications takes an additional year. Having the pride to know I accomplished what I set out to do in the Navy was a surreal experience. Only 50% of the individuals who attend my training end up making it to the end. The expectations are unlike anything else I have experienced. They condense almost an entire trade school into six months."
Glassman serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means meeting some of my best friends,” Glassman said. "The people you meet along the way are unlike anything else. The bonds you fortify over completing a mission bigger than yourselves creates relationships that will last a lifetime. Joining the Navy has allowed me to see places I would've never imagined and make friendships that will last forever. It has been an experience I will never forget. From Korea, to Japan, to Singapore, the Navy has brought me to parts of the world I would've never imagined."
Glassman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents first and foremost,” Glassman added. "They never stopped providing the support needed for me to succeed. Once I got into the Navy, Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Jump has been one of the most supportive friends and someone I couldn't have succeeded without. I would also like to thank Master Chief Urso for being the best role model I’ve ever had in the Navy.”