From Lebanon to the sea: A sailor’s path to a Navy warship

By Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg
Navy Office of Community Outreach
https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/

NORFOLK, Va. - Lt. j.g. Nick Bauer, a native of Lebanon, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Bauer graduated from Lebanon High School in 2015.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lebanon.

“I am from a blue-collar, hard-working town that instilled a work ethic,” Bauer said. “I learned the value of hard work and the importance of getting up each day to get the job done.”

Bauer joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Bauer serves as a public affairs officer.

“I dropped out of college and needed a way to support my future wife, and the Navy gave me that responsibility and direction,” Bauer said.

USS Wasp 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, USS Wasp’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

Bauer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“One of my proudest accomplishments was re-enrolling in college and earning a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University,” Bauer said. “I am also proud of being a mustang officer because it allows me to better understand the enlisted community while continuing to mentor sailors from the officer side.”

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.

“Serving in the Navy has allowed me to support my wife while she works toward earning her master’s degree,” Bauer said. “It is a privilege to serve a greater purpose and be surrounded by people all moving in the same direction.”

Bauer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my wife, Morgan, who has been my rock since the beginning of my career,” Bauer said. “Her patience through raising our three children and moving five times, along with the support of my family and mentors, has provided stability throughout my Navy career.”