Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy Norris of the Southside is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Nevada, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Norris graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in 2011. Additionally, Norris earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering technology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found at Manual and his hometown.
“Growing up, I learned to keep building on yourself because it’s all you can do,” said Norris. “I worked in fabrication and manufacturing for the past decade. I worked my way up from being the little guy on the totem pole to the number three spot in the company. You have to learn how to deal with different characters and what you don’t like in people. The three big things are attitude, performance and attendance. If you have a good attitude and show up every day, you can work on your performance.”
Norris joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Norris serves as an electronics technician (submarine navigation).
“I joined the Navy because the Navy’s recruiting was better,” said Norris. “I wanted to work in weapons design, maybe for Raytheon or something like that. Being in the Navy would help me do that. The training I get in this job, the clearance and networking will help me reach that goal.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap, Washington.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Norris is part of a rich 124-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes the Navy’s strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower and endurance.
Norris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Norris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of staying ahead of my fellow junior enlisted,” said Norris. “I’m competitive in nature and I think if we’re all competitive we raise the bar on each other. You need that motivation to succeed.”
Norris can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving, to me, shows that you are different from most of the public,” said Norris. “You will sacrifice and defend even when you cannot agree with everything.”
Norris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Jason Wiley, who was a father figure to me in high school,” added Norris. “He was there for me through high school. He taught me how to weld, how to drive a stick and how to be a man. He was just that guy. He helped me get my first job out of high school.”