PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Seaman Nicolas Schaefer, a native of Topeka, Kansas, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Schaefer graduated from Highland Park High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Topeka.
“Growing up in Topeka taught me that humility and a strong sense of community are essential,” said Schaefer. “The greatest lesson I learned from growing up was to appreciate the value of simplicity and the importance of humility. The city's humble character instilled in me gratitude, resilience, and a strong sense of community. In the Navy humility is needed, as you are working with a team you need to put others first.”
Schaefer joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Schaefer serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy to broaden my perspective and challenge my personal limits,” said Schaefer. “I joined the Navy to challenge myself physically and mentally, to get a chance to see the world, and to meet people from all different walks of life so I could learn from other perspectives.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Schaefer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I take immense pride in my personal transformation and the resilience I’ve built through the Navy’s unique challenges,” said Schaefer. “Stepping outside my comfort zone required me to develop discipline and place my trust in my team. Through those experiences, I gained the confidence to know I can complete any mission.”
As Schaefer and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to carrying forward the legacy of excellence and the values passed down to me by my predecessors,” said Schaefer. “Serving in the Navy provides me the opportunity to continuously better myself while honoring and protecting our freedoms, just as those who came before me did and those who shaped me into the man I am today.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Schaefer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my success to the foundation of sacrifice and belief provided by my family and my mentors,” added Schaefer. “I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout my journey. Their guidance and sacrifices have been the foundation of my success. Especially to Monica Schaefer, who is like a second mom, and her mother, Thelma Schaefer, who is like a grandmother to me.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Schaefer graduated from Highland Park High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Topeka.
“Growing up in Topeka taught me that humility and a strong sense of community are essential,” said Schaefer. “The greatest lesson I learned from growing up was to appreciate the value of simplicity and the importance of humility. The city's humble character instilled in me gratitude, resilience, and a strong sense of community. In the Navy humility is needed, as you are working with a team you need to put others first.”
Schaefer joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Schaefer serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy to broaden my perspective and challenge my personal limits,” said Schaefer. “I joined the Navy to challenge myself physically and mentally, to get a chance to see the world, and to meet people from all different walks of life so I could learn from other perspectives.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Schaefer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I take immense pride in my personal transformation and the resilience I’ve built through the Navy’s unique challenges,” said Schaefer. “Stepping outside my comfort zone required me to develop discipline and place my trust in my team. Through those experiences, I gained the confidence to know I can complete any mission.”
As Schaefer and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to carrying forward the legacy of excellence and the values passed down to me by my predecessors,” said Schaefer. “Serving in the Navy provides me the opportunity to continuously better myself while honoring and protecting our freedoms, just as those who came before me did and those who shaped me into the man I am today.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Schaefer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my success to the foundation of sacrifice and belief provided by my family and my mentors,” added Schaefer. “I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout my journey. Their guidance and sacrifices have been the foundation of my success. Especially to Monica Schaefer, who is like a second mom, and her mother, Thelma Schaefer, who is like a grandmother to me.”