MILLINGTON, Tenn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Bell, a resident of Meridian, Idaho, and 2015 Rocky Mountain High School graduate, supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy cryptologic technician, who is responsible for network security and analysis for the Navy to protect against cyberattacks. Bell does so by conducting defensive cyber operations, digital network anyalysis and research and development.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Bell has worked at Perspecta providing IT solutions for the Navy.
“When I became a reservist there were definitely some changes to my life, however, it has been completely manageable," said Bell. "My employer is very understanding and supportive of my Navy career and works with me to ensure that when I need to leave for the Navy, I will be taken care of while I am gone as well as when I return. The Navy makes being a reservist very simple by providing plans for the year, and support along every step in the process."
Bell serves with Naval Operations Support Center Boise and is responsible for maintaining reediness at all times along with verifying service members award eligibility. Bell’s command has a mission of providing services and support to ensure mobilization readiness.
In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Bell has worked at Perspecta providing IT solutions for the Navy.
“When I became a reservist there were definitely some changes to my life, however, it has been completely manageable," said Bell. "My employer is very understanding and supportive of my Navy career and works with me to ensure that when I need to leave for the Navy, I will be taken care of while I am gone as well as when I return. The Navy makes being a reservist very simple by providing plans for the year, and support along every step in the process."
Bell serves with Naval Operations Support Center Boise and is responsible for maintaining reediness at all times along with verifying service members award eligibility. Bell’s command has a mission of providing services and support to ensure mobilization readiness.
Bell is playing an important part 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, according to Navy officials, 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.”
“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, Bell is most proud of going from a reservist to being a part of an active duty component to help the Navy wherever he can.
“It was a very difficult decision to go on active duty orders as it meant that I would be uprooting my life and moving away from my family,” said Bell. “I am proud that I was able to work out all of the logistics and make the possibility a reality.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Bell who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bell is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have had several family members join the service, including my twin brother who joined the Army as an active duty member,” said Bell.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bell and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I will get opportunities that not everyone will get," said Bell. "I am able to travel all over the world doing the job that I love.”
“I have had several family members join the service, including my twin brother who joined the Army as an active duty member,” said Bell.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bell and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I will get opportunities that not everyone will get," said Bell. "I am able to travel all over the world doing the job that I love.”