Cold Spaghetti

Continuing our ‘meet a USS New Orleans Sailor’ posts, here is a (very recent) graduate of Tulane University.

My son will be his age before I can blink.  I can picture Will making a photo like this, something to reflect a fun-loving personality, sense of humor, and willingness to push the envelope.

Ensign Timothy Gressett

For Ensign Gressett, a graduate of Tulane University whose time as an undergrad was punctuated by Hurricane Katrina, serving on the USS New Orleans has a special meaning. For New Orleans Navy Week (November 2-7), he’s returning to the city where he spent so many years as a student and is thrilled to be participating in events throughout the week. As an auxiliaries officer on the ship, his days are focused on managing maintenance and repairs on anything that’s “hydraulic, mechanical, operates wire rope or is in the galley.” During New Orleans Navy Week, he’ll get to spend some well-earned time on dry land, reconnecting with the city and culture he loves. Here are some of his thoughts on what Navy Week in New Orleans means to him:

Where it all began:

“Both my father and my mother were in the Navy, as well as both my grandfathers, so it’s a big tradition to my family. I am the first to be commissioned as an Officer on both sides.”

Most memorable experience in uniform:

“I distinctly remember riding into San Diego harbor in a small inflated boat – with the wind and sea spray in my hair and the sun on my face – following an arduous three-week underway training period. That was a great feeling of satisfaction.”

Best thing about New Orleans:

“The best thing about going to school in New Orleans is the culture. New Orleans is one of the most colorful – literally, colorful – cities I’ve ever been to. I’ll walk down the street and see a house painted purple. It’s like someone gave a child a coloring book and said, ‘Have at it!’”

Personal definition of “Navy Week”:

“Navy Week is an opportunity to show a little bit of what the Navy does to non-Navy folks. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this event.”

For more information on Navy Week, and to learn about events where you can meet Sailors like Ensign Gressett, visit: www.navyweek.org/neworleans. You can also become a Navy Weeks fan on Facebook. Just search “Navy Weeks” or follow this link.