SAN DIEGO - Seaman Eric Nelson, a native of Round Rock, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Nelson graduated from Stony Point High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Round Rock.
“I was in Junior ROTC in high school and had a Marine Corps instructor,” Nelson said. “He taught me all the basics like my general orders, measurements of uniforms and the importance of showing up early, which all translates smoothly into the Navy.”
Nelson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Nelson serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined for the opportunity and benefit of a free education,” Nelson said. “I want to be a film director, so I plan to graduate from college with that degree. I chose a job that will support that goal and give me the experience I need to succeed.”
Makin Island plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Makin Island’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
Nelson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of earning Raider of the Week,” Nelson said. “It means that I am the ship’s sailor of the week, which made me feel acknowledged and appreciated for my work and efforts.”
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.
“At the end of the day, it’s still a job,” Nelson said. “It gives me experiences I would not have in everyday life. It gives me the opportunity to pursue my interests outside of the Navy as well.”
Nelson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, grandparents and my Junior ROTC instructor,” Nelson said. “My Junior ROTC instructor introduced me to the military lifestyle and even though I only took the class as a gym credit, he showed me it could be fun. My family was very supportive in my decision to join the military. They helped me with everyday problems and they continue to do so.”