U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy
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Meet Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Leather of the U.S. Navy. Eric is a graduate of Toms River High School North and now serves our nation in Europe. Eric is a damage controlman aboard one of the four advanced warships forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, a small village on the country’s southwest coast 65 miles south of the city of Seville. According to the Navy, a damage controlman is responsible for planning, supervising and performing the tasks necessary for damage control, ship stability, preservation of watertight integrity and firefighting.

Eric is also participating in a critical NATO ballistic missile defense (BMD) mission while assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney.

Eric credits success in the U.S. Navy with lessons learned growing up here in Toms River. “I have learned that hard work pays off, no matter your job or position,” said Leather. This Ocean County native is making us proud and protecting America.

“We have an outstanding team here and I am honored to lead one of the finest, most capable crews in the U.S. Navy,” said Cmdr. Tyson Young, commanding officer of USS Carney. "Their continued efforts keep us as an integral part of U.S. 6th Fleet's presence in the region.”

Eric's Grandfather served our Nation during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. Eric added that  “My time in the Navy has taught me patience and how to work with all different types of people,” said Leather. “Being forward-deployed to Spain has been amazing. I enjoy meeting people from all over Europe and seeing different things for the first time.”

Thanks Eric and you are making Toms River and the Jersey Shore PROUD!

 

 

 

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