Politics & Government

Steven Fusswinkel Honored by Village Board

Lynbrook resident, a Navy lieutenant, received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Lt. J.G. Steven Fusswinkel was recognized by Nassau County Legis. Francis Becker, R-Lynbrook, and members of the Lynbrook village board on Monday night.

The Lynbrook resident recently received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for the work he has done in the U.S. Navy over the last couple of years.

The following is text from a proclamation awarded to Fusswinkel on Monday, courtesy of Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick:

"Lt. J.G. Steven Fusswinkel graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md, in May 2009. His Service Selection was Nuclear Surface Warfare.

"Lt. J.G. Fusswinkel was initially assigned to the USS Carter Hall, an amphibious assault ship based in Little Creek, Va., where he served as Weapons Officer. Shortly after reporting to the Carter Hall, the ship was deployed to transport a disabled submarine from New Hampshire to Washington State.

"Steven drove (called "conning") the ship through the Panama Canal, twice. Upon completion of this successful mission, the Carter Hall returned to Little Creek. With just 24 hours notice, the Carter Hall was deployed to assist in humanitarian and disaster relief following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Steve's ship was among the first to arrive in Haiti and they established landing sites to enable Marines and Naval personnel to transport supplies onto the beaches of Haiti.

"Steve especially enjoyed the opportunity to distribute food and water to the people and assist with working with so many of the children; many left without parents following the earthquake. The Carter Hall also built field hospitals used to treat the thousands of injured people in Haiti.

"Soon after returning to Little Creek from this successful mission, the Carter Hall was surge deployed to assist in operation enduring freedom. Initially, the Carter Hall was deployed to assist in relief efforts following devastating mud slides in Pakistan. Following that, he had an opportunity to use his highly specialized training leading a team of 20 sailors to visit, board, search, and seize contraband. Steven and his crew did this work while operating in the Persian Gulf.

"While he was on deployment, he received a lot of support from several hometown groups. The Knights of Columbus and the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Rotary Club were able to donate a large amount of supplies to the Carter Hall, which Steven then distributed to all the sailors on the ship who were not fortunate enough to receive care packages from loved ones back home.

"Recently, Steven was promoted from the Rank of Ensign to Lieutenant Junior-Grade, and upon his transfer from the Carter Hall, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for the outstanding work he did while on board.

"After some well-deserved personal leave time, Steven will report to Charleston, S.C., where he will spend a year in Naval Nuclear Power School. After completing this training, he will report to an aircraft carrier, where he will be responsible for the nuclear reactor. For the time being, however, it is great to have him back in his home town of Lynbrook, N.Y. We wish you "Fair Winds and Following Seas" wherever your naval career may take you!"


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