SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Hickman, a native of Reno, Nevada, was inspired to join the Navy for travel opportunities.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
"I wanted to get out in the real world and experience it for it myself and the military was my best option,” Hickman said.
Now, three years later, Hickman serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“This ship is pretty cool,” Hickman said. “It pretty much feels like you live in a small little colony and you’re getting to know everybody.”
Hickman, a 2016 graduate of Damonte Rancho School, is a quartermaster 3rd class aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“As a quartermaster we take over the responsibility of navigating the ship,” Hickman said. “That includes getting the ship through water and ports safely and efficiently.”
Hickman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Reno.
“I learned to expect the unexpected,” Hickman said. “That's what my grandpa taught me growing up. You never know what life is going to throw at you.”
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Hickman is part of a world 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.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Hickman is most proud of earning a promotion to third class petty officer after graduating from A-school.
“It was my first promotion,” Hickman said. “It made me realize that if I apply myself good things will come through hard work and dedication in the end.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hickman and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to put your life on the line for your family and your country,” said Hickman.
Now, three years later, Hickman serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“This ship is pretty cool,” Hickman said. “It pretty much feels like you live in a small little colony and you’re getting to know everybody.”
Hickman, a 2016 graduate of Damonte Rancho School, is a quartermaster 3rd class aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“As a quartermaster we take over the responsibility of navigating the ship,” Hickman said. “That includes getting the ship through water and ports safely and efficiently.”
Hickman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Reno.
“I learned to expect the unexpected,” Hickman said. “That's what my grandpa taught me growing up. You never know what life is going to throw at you.”
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Hickman is part of a world 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.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Hickman is most proud of earning a promotion to third class petty officer after graduating from A-school.
“It was my first promotion,” Hickman said. “It made me realize that if I apply myself good things will come through hard work and dedication in the end.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hickman and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to put your life on the line for your family and your country,” said Hickman.