Petty Officer 3rd Class Nestor Gibson, a native of Aurora, serves the U.S. Navy aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, which is homeported in San Diego.
Gibson, a 2014 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to become a U.S. citizen and the military helps you with that process,” said Gibson. “I also wanted to grow personally and professionally.”
Today, Gibson serves as a machinery repairman.
Gibson relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Aurora to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to be polite and respect others, to be trustworthy, professional and reliable,” said Gibson. “I think being a driven person plays a big role in this job.”
Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. ship to bear the name. The ship recently completed a scheduled maintenance availability and is preparing for upcoming operations.
“Serving in the Navy means that I’m serving a higher purpose than myself.”
Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft, according to Navy officials. They also are capable of accessing 75 percent of the world’s beaches.
Serving in the Navy means Gibson is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we are vital to protecting our nation and its allies,” said Gibson.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like Gibson have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment so far has been when I was meritoriously promoted to petty officer third class,” said Gibson.
As Gibson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means that I’m serving a higher purpose than myself,” added Gibson.
