Haverhill native serves aboard Navy warship in Norfolk
By Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Nolan, a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Nolan graduated in 2015 from Haverhill High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Haverhill.
“Haverhill is a really close-knit community,” said Nolan. “I played hockey the whole time while growing up, and that along with other sports, really helped build upon the lessons of teamwork and supporting one another. I continue to expand on that wisdom and experience in the Navy alongside my shipmates.”
Nolan joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Nolan serves as a damage controlman aboard USS Kearsarge.
“My job can be intense but I work really well under pressure and my functional role comes into play during times of crisis onboard a ship,” said Nolan. “Damage controlmen are responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems, as well the response efforts to emergencies including damage control, ship stability, preservation of watertight integrity, firefighting, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear explosive defense.”
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.
Serving in the Navy means Nolan is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is always ready and contributes to national defense by being a show of force,” said Nolan. “We also keep our adversaries at bay and maintain relations with other NATO countries around the world.”
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.
Nolan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I succeed when my sailors succeed,” said Nolan. “I want to be sure that the sailors beside me and behind me are always prepared for any scenario, and only then is when I feel like I’ve accomplished something.”
As Nolan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Nolan. “Knowing what I do protects my family back home puts me at ease.”
Nolan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My dad is my go-to person who I call for advice and guidance,” added Nolan. “It feels good knowing how proud he and my mom are of me and what I do in the Navy. As the youngest of three kids with a brother who’s a Navy veteran Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, a Marine uncle, an Army grandfather and a grandfather who’s a Navy veteran, serving was indeed influenced by my family. However, I also believe in navigating my own path to gain the critical experiences and training that will help me to also succeed outside of the uniform.”
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