Born and raised in Coal Township, PA, Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) Nicola is currently assigned as the Quality Assurance Officer for Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, HI, and is entering his 20th year of active duty service with the U.S. Navy. CW3 Nicola enlisted in October of 1997 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, Engineering Laboratory Technician. He has completed tours on board the USS Harry S Truman CVN 75, USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 and USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 (all nuclear power aircraft carriers); he also did a tour at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. He has completed eight overseas deployments, and is slated to retire in May 2018. CW3 Nicola was nominated by his cousin, Candy Belfield.
“Thomas is my cousin and friend,” said Belfield. “I am so proud of his accomplishments in the Navy during his career. He has given most of his life to serving our country, including time away from friends and family during deployments. I am thankful there are people like Thomas to serve and protect, and thankful to NFM for recognizing him.”
CW3 Nicola chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive the donation made by NFM Salute on his behalf.
