Nanticoke native among 24 women serving on Navy submarine crews

Nanticoke native Ensign Abigail Gesecki Holt is one of 24 women serving on nuclear submarine crews in the U.S. Navy. Her most recent achievement includes working on the USS Wyoming and pursuing the qualifications needed for Submarine Warfare Insignia status.

With her junior naval officer ranking and 15 months of training, Gesecki Holt feels honored to be a part of the submarine community and prepared for her upcoming missions. Her training included attending a nuclear power school in Charleston, S.C., a submarine officer course in Connecticut that was designed to teach tasks outside the engine room and safety courses in New York.

"The training became more and more challenging as it went on," she said. "At the very end you need to make sure you have adequate knowledge to graduate."

As one of only three women serving on the USS Wyoming nuclear submarine, she does not let the large number of men on the squad become overwhelming.

"On a day-to-day basis I don't think about being a female, I think about being a submariner. At the end of the day it is important that I can do my job well and serve."

Gesecki Holt's husband, Jordan Holt, a 2009 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, has just been deployed to Japan while she is awaiting deployment on the USS Wyoming nuclear submarine.

Her father, Henry Gesecki of Nanticoke, was surprised by his daughter's career choice. A 2006 graduate of Greater Nanticoke Area High School, Gesecki Holt set her sights on running track at the University of Pennsylvania, but she also looked into the Naval Academy. And, after an overnight stay, Gesecki Holt realized joining the Academy was the right choice.

"After her visit she was sure this was the right decision," her father said. "Once she completed the first round of training and education she knew it was the path for her."

A memorable career moment for Gesecki Holt was meeting with President Barack Obama and the first lady on Memorial Day. She and the other women working on submarines attended a breakfast with the Obamas, during which it was announced that the first lady would sponsor the USS Illinois, the newest naval submarine.

Gesecki Holt's next goal is to qualify for the Submarine Warfare Insignia pinning ceremony. The Submarine Warfare Insignia pin is one of three Navy warfare pins.

"To me I think the whole experience is challenging," Henry Gesecki said. "There is just so much that she needs to be certified in but I am confident in her skills and couldn't be any prouder."