By day, he is an engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), and one weekend of each month and two weeks of every year, he is a Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officer.

Ens. Steven Gilbert, whose hometown is Lynn Haven, Florida, joined the U.S. Navy selective reserves ranks in 2014 to give back to his country.

"I think I have always had a desire to serve and feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the U.S. Navy," said Gilbert. "Even if my contributions are minimal compared to the many others, it is a joy to serve next to the greatest people in the world. I hope my contributions will somehow help to secure our nation's future for my children and their children, and that they will enjoy the quality of life we have been afforded and that many take for granted."

Gilbert, who is a full-time engineer at NSWC PCD, holds a Master of Science degree in systems engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama.

As a reservist, Gilbert drills out of the Naval Operation Support Center (NOSC) located in Tallahassee, Florida with the Surge Maintenance (SURGEMAIN) Unit. This is a Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) command; a perfect fit for him because his day job at NSWC PCD is also a NAVSEA command. SURGEMAIN units employ reservists with civilian skills in production trades, such as welders, or pipefitters or officers with engineering or science-based degrees. Gilbert's gaining command is Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. For two weeks of each year, Gilbert goes on active duty to support the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

The work Gilbert performs for NAVSEA as a federal civil servant and as a reservist helps him to grow professionally and personally.

"As a NAVSEA reservist and a NAVSEA civilian, my work compliments perfectly. Growing and utilizing my engineering knowledge and skills as a civilian makes me more useful to the Navy as a reservist," he said. "Growing and utilizing me as a leader in the reserves make me invaluable as a civilian. Additionally, understanding what it is like to wear the uniform makes me a better employee as I develop systems as a civilian those in uniform will use. Thinking that I may one day be the one using a system I worked on makes me strive for excellence in every effort."

Personally, being a reservist means being ready and willing to serve his country as needed.

"It means being a part of something bigger than myself working together for a common goal," he said. "Being a reservist has helped develop me as a better leader personally and professionally. It has helped bring fulfillment to my life by allowing me to serve the people of this nation. It is humbling and honoring to be a part of such a great organization that is rich in history and success."


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