By Everson W. Hull, Ph.D. ECON
Commander Mark Camillo Nisbett spent much of his very early childhood years on Nevis. He is the son of Nurse Mary Neale-Nisbett of Fountain and Ivor Nisbett of Hanley’s Road. Fresh out of High School, Mark enlisted in the United States Navy as a seaman recruit in October of 1979. On Monday of this week, at the Washington DC Naval Yard, he was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the U.S. Navy. He was asked to take the oath of office and was decorated with the naval insignia of the rank of U.S. Naval Commander. As Commander, he joins the ranks of a small elite group of commissioned senior officers who are at the top of the U.S. Navy’s chain of command. From his lofty perch, there are only a few more steps to the ranks of Captain and later, Admiral.
Along the way, this highly decorated Nevisian has earned three Meritorious Service medals, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy achievement medals. He has been selected for the USS Paul’s Senior Sailor of the Year Award and the Destroyer Squadron‘s Senior Sailor of the Year Award for 1988. His wide-ranging assignments have included service on the USS Niagara Falls and the USS Detroit. He has also served as first lieutenant on two of the largest aircraft carriers in the U.S. naval fleet – the USS John F. Kennedy and the USS Enterprise.
Affectionately referred to as the “Big E”, the USS Enterprise (In photo above) on which Commander Nisbett served is effectively a floating island. More than three football fields long, it is the largest naval vessel on the high seas. The “BIG E” traverses the world’s ocean lanes at a speed of 33.5 knots, with a complement of 5,920 seamen, and with 85 functional aircraft on board. Commander Nisbett has had 14 deployments to Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Somalia, twice to Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and a round the world cruise in 2006.
The new commander has complemented nicely an outstanding record of achievements in the naval sphere with an impressive academic record. In 1999, he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University and in 1999 he earned the Masters of Science degree in Management from Troy State University.
It is this outstanding record of achievements, of maturity, of good judgment and experience that the military brass assembled to recognize on Monday June 2nd, and which I had the honor to witness firsthand.
Nattily attired in his naval whites, the pinning ceremony was conducted by Rear Admiral Julius Caesar before a large group of sea mates, family members and well-wishers. The equally proud Admiral who happens to serve as Commander Nisbett’s mentor showered praise on his junior. He recognized Nevis, and assigned its rightful due for the contributions that Mark’s parents Mary and Ivor made to his education and for instilling in him that dogged determination that made that moment possible.
Admiral Caesar expressed appreciation for the contribution and enormous sacrifice made by Loretta, the military spouse, and the two children – Mark II and Kayla. He noted the sense of tolerance that is essential for keeping the family unit together during the long and difficult days at sea.
As Mark took the oath of office and as the Admiral decorated him with the military insignia that is awarded to that very small; but elite class of U.S. naval seamen who attain the rank of Commander, there was a stillness about the room in appreciation of a lifetime of achievement and distinguished service.
The pride that was seen in the faces of Mary and Ivor said it all. Nevisians wherever we may roam, our reach is limited only by our imagination. For there, before us, were Mary, Ivor and Mark who epitomize the best of what Nevis has to offer doing their small part to protect all of us and to make this world a safer place. Accomplished Nevisian parents in their own right, Mary Neale was among the first class of students to enter CSS along side Dr. Laughton Richardson, a Leeward Islands Scholar and Dr. Iola Brown, a Columbia Ivy League Scholar from the Great Metropolis at Bath and, I believe, three others. And Ivor, always elegant and purposeful, who dedicated much to a career of service to the People of Nevis at the Charlestown Treasury, a great historian and a truly great human being. There he was, despite his failing health, relishing the moment.
They instilled in their offspring the good old Nevisian spirit of hard work and stick-to-it-iveness. For me, it is these combined efforts that were celebrated at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday.
Well Done Commander Nisbett! And, Thank You Mary and Ivor.
