2/12/2006
Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class (EWS) Nicholas Wilson was born on July 31, 1980 in Johnson City, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 21, 1998 under the Delayed Entry Program and upon his graduation from Newark Valley High School in June, he reported for Recruit Training in August of that year.
After graduating from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes IL on October 20, 1998, Nick completed Aviation Electronic Technician “A” School, at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Pensacola FL. Transferring to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC), Panama City FL on July 29, 1999, he began the training required to become a US Navy EOD Diver. He completed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diving Course and Navy School Explosive Ordnance Disposal where he earned his “EOD Crab” with Class 00-040. From technical training he reported to EOD Mobile Unit THREE, Naval Base Coronado, CA on July 5, 2001.
Immediately upon completion of unit indoctrination, Nick was assigned to EODMU 3 Detachment ONE as the Det’s Tactical Communicator. Quickly becoming a Helicopter Rope Suspension Training (HRST) Master as well as graduating from Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) and the U.S. Army’s Basic Airborne schools, he deployed with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) in 2002.
Upon returning, he earned his Senior EOD qualification, transitioned his occupational field to the Aviation Ordnanceman rating and joined EODMU 3 Detachment FIVE SEVEN as an EOD Team Leader supporting Naval Special Warfare Squadron SEVEN Foxtrot Platoon. Deploying with NSWRON-7 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Nick supported numerous Direct Action and VIP security missions during October 2003 to April 2004.
Assigned to EODMU 3 Detachment NINE following his second deployment, Nick completed Military Free Fall School and was again designated an EOD Team Leader during his Detachment’s deployment with II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Al Anbar Province Iraq, where he had personally rendered safe 170 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and supported 335 combat missions.
Besides enjoying playing golf and riding his Harley, Nick adored his wife Linda whom he married while in the midst of EOD training on February 26, 2000. Behind his ever-present shades, she was truly the sole mate and life partner of this quiet professional. The most challenging tasks he quickly mastered and he earned the admiration of all of us who worked with him. He could have been anything he wanted to be, but he loved being with his fellow EOD Techs.
Petty Officer Wilson was killed in action on the 12th of February, 2006 while supporting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Nick is survived by his wife Linda, parents, Robert and Rachel, his brothers Mike and Brian, his sister Amber, and a host of family and friends.