MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- “The Navy is going to have to kick me out before I’m through with it,” laughed Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas A. Haan, power plants leading petty officer and 1st Class Association president, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24. “I don’t see myself doing less than 30 or more years. Someone has to stay in and pass on the traditions, because the longer you stay in, the more traditions and knowledge you can pass on.”
Coming from a strong military family, Haan decided to keep his family’s Navy tradition alive by following the footsteps of his cousin, grandfather and great-grandfather. He wasn’t interested in joining the Air Force like his father or the Marine Corps like his brother.
Haan said the respect and pride his grandfather carried around with him was the biggest influence in him joining the Navy. It was something Haan said he wanted as well.
“It wasn’t so much what he said or the stories he told,” said the 29-year-old. “It was that indescribable feeling that I got being around him. He didn’t even start telling me his World War II stories until I was 25 years old, and let me tell you, he had it pretty rough back then.”
All of Haan’s family members who have served in the military have been in a combat zone. His great-grandfather fought in World War I, his grandfather in World War II, his father flew missions over Vietnam, and Haan, his cousin, and brother have all supported operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Haan was first called to deploy in support of OEF in September 2001, he said it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I was on convalescent leave because my wife had just had our baby,” said Haan, “They pulled me off leave. One week later I was in the Persian Gulf. It was hard being away from my family at that time, but I had to remind myself why I was out there.
“My daughter was nine months old when I got back. I remember I jumped off the helicopter and my daughter actually ran to greet me not knowing who I was.
“I can’t believe that was five years ago.”
Haan has traveled all over the world since joining the Navy, but traveling is something that he said he’s used to. Being the son of an airman, Haan has lived in Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, Colorado, and England before he joined the military in 1996, something his whole family is proud of him for doing.
“It’s an unwritten tradition to serve in the military in my family,” said the Denver native. “It’s an honor in my family to serve in the military. In fact, I think it’s an honor for anyone to serve in the military,” he added. “People who didn’t take the opportunity to join missed out.”
Haan supports MALS-24’s mission to provide intermediate level-maintenance to the 11 operational and training squadrons based here. Being the president of the 1st Class Petty Officer Association, Haan is oversees the actions of the 1st class petty officers in his squadron, providing guidance to junior Sailors, and coordination command events. He is currently leading an effort to restore two of the squadron aircraft that are located in the field adjacent to the Pacific War Memorial at the front gate.
“He’s persistent, hardworking, self-motivated, and willing to give up is own free time and somebody you can count on to get the job done,” said Gunnery Sgt. Darryl D. Souza, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, powerplants. “He sets the example and follows through to make sure things are done correctly.
“I know he plans on putting in an officer package,” he continued. “He’s going to be very successful in the Navy. If he is not an officer, then he’ll definitely be some crusty, tattooed master chief.”
When it comes to leadership of fellow Sailors, the aviation machinest’s mate said that itself is a full time job.
Haan, who currently has an Associate’s Degree in Political Science from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colo., is currently studying to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering so he can make a smooth transition from the aviation community to the Navy’s Engineering Corps.
When it comes to junior Marines and Sailors aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Haan said that they should enjoy the time they have in Hawaii, because they probably won’t have another duty station like this.
“To all the junior Marines and Sailors out there: You have a goal. Make sure that you push and follow through,” Haan said. “Do the leg work and reach your goals, and set goals that can be reached. Be patient. Set yourself up for the future and enjoy the opportunity that you have in the military.”