SAN DIEGO - Seaman Apprentice Noelle Williamson-Shaw, a native of Mora, Minnesota, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Williamson-Shaw graduated from Mora High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mora.
“Growing up, I learned to be strong-willed from my grandparents, but also how to take care of myself, and the importance of having manners and being respectful,” Williamson-Shaw said. “Having a strong will does help, especially in boot camp when you’re getting yelled at. It helps you stick to the mindset that this is temporary. As a master-at-arms, you have to make sure you keep your cool and enforce rules you’re bound to follow. Being respectful and having manners helps everywhere, especially when you’re dealing with higher-ranking people.”
Williamson-Shaw joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Williamson-Shaw serves as a master-at-arms.
“I decided to join the military when I was 10 years old and stuck to it,” Williamson-Shaw said. “I knew I didn’t want to go to college, but I didn’t want to stay home either. One of my friends also joined the Navy. During our senior year, I told her I wanted to join, and she gave me her recruiter’s contact information. She’s at ‘A’ school in Pensacola now.”
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.
Williamson-Shaw has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of graduating ‘A’ school,” Williamson-Shaw said. “When I first joined, I didn’t think I would go through as much as I went through with schooling or really how hard it was going to be. I’m proud because I made it through.”
Williamson-Shaw 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 being part of something bigger than myself and protecting loved ones back home so that others don’t have to,” Williamson-Shaw said. “I’ve got two little brothers. I’d never want them to have to do as many things as I’ve had to do in life.”
Williamson-Shaw is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my grandparents, Rick and Joyce Keller, and my mom, Leanna Smith,” Williamson-Shaw added. “They’ve always been there for me and have helped me pursue my dreams and what I want to do. Even though it was hard for them when I left home, they never held me back.”