Fusswinkel gets a hometown welcome

Fusswinkel graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in May, 2009. His Service Selection was Nuclear Surface Warfare. He was initially assigned to the USS Carter Hall, an amphibious assault ship based in Little Creek, Virginia, 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. Fusswinkel’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. 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. Fusswinkel and his crew did this work while operating in the Persian Gulf.

Support from home, coming home

While he was on deployment, Fusswinkel 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, Fusswinkel 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 personal leave time in Lynbrook, Steven will report to Charleston, South Carolina, 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.