GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Corley, a native of Paisley, Florida, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Group Two in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Corley graduated from Umatilla High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Paisley.
“My father and grandfather taught me the importance of a strong work ethic,” Corley said. “It's important to do the job and do it well.”
Corley joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Corley serves as an equipment operator.
“I went the college route first, and then ended up in a job that didn't offer a lot of job opportunities,” Corley said. “I was an equipment operator for that job and translated that experience into my job in the Navy working as a Seabee. Also, my great grandfather served in the Navy during World War II.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Corley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to have been part of a crane crew during my first deployment in 2019 to Guam,” Corley said.
Corley serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I'm honored to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before me,” Corley said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Corley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family, Richard, Bonita, Stephen, Kaitlynn and Danielle, for supporting the idea of me joining the military,” Corley said. “During boot camp, their letters helped me through, and they continue to support me today.”