SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Nimlo, a native of Willimantic, Connecticut, 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 |
Nimlo graduated from Edwino Smith High School in 2016.
Nimlo joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Nimlo serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“I joined the Navy to follow in my father's footsteps,” Nimlo said. "He served on submarines in the 70s. After hearing his stories and seeing the benefits, I knew serving in the Navy would provide me with all the opportunities I was looking for after high school."
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.
Nimlo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my warfare devices,” Nimlo said. "The warfare devices take several months to receive and are a culmination of all your efforts. There is pride that we all have for those who wore them before and for those who will wear them in the future.”
Nimlo 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 protecting the people I love,” Nimlo said. "I get the opportunity to allow the people I love to do what they want to do freely because of my service."
Nimlo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife Katie and our two daughters, Rosalynn and Eleanor, first and foremost,” Nimlo said. "I would also like to thank my mom and dad for pushing me in the right direction and for giving me an amazing childhood. My family provides the love and support I need every day to succeed. My wife and kids push me beyond my limits every day to be the best version of myself."
Nimlo offered words of advice to those seeking a career in the Navy.
“From college education opportunities to traveling to the North Pole, the Navy has definitely allowed me to explore more opportunities than I ever could’ve imagined,” Nimlo added. “Anyone who is thinking about joining, I highly recommend it. It will help you grow out of your shell and develop on an individual level more than you know.”