Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Kroner, a Brooksville native and 2011 graduate of Central High School, serves aboard the USS Mahan, a guided-missile destroyer based at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia. Kroner works as a surface sonar technician. He joined the Navy nine and a half years ago and has spent the bulk of that time at sea.
Military service runs deep in Kroner’s family. “I come from a long line of family who served in the armed forces, and I grew up in military housing,” Kroner said. “I specifically wanted to join the Navy to have a different experience from my dad.” He said moving frequently as a child prepared him for life in the Navy. “That has helped me be more personable and adapt to new environments and new experiences,” Kroner said. “Being able to adapt has helped me so much in my Navy career.”
The Mahan is a multimission destroyer that can operate alone or as part of a larger group at sea. The ship carries Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a Phalanx close-in weapon system. More than 300 sailors serve aboard, in jobs ranging from maintaining engines to handling weapons, according to Navy officials.
This year, as the United States marks 250 years of independence, the Navy is highlighting its role in national defense. Navy officials say about 90% of global commerce travels by sea, and internet access depends on undersea fiber-optic cables. They say the nation’s prosperity depends on recruiting and keeping talented people. More information is available at navy.mil/navy-250.
Kroner said his proudest accomplishments include completing nine deployments and visiting 15 countries. “Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” Kroner said. “I’m proud to explore and build relationships that I will never forget.” He has been on sea duty for eight years and seven months straight. “A lot of people have a bad outlook on the Navy, but there are good things that come with it, like helping the people I work with.” Kroner credited family, friends and mentors for his career.
Originally reported by Tampa Bay Beacons – Hernando
