Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Somers T. Steelman grew up in Bergenfield, NJ. He graduated from the Bergenfield High School in 2006 and enlisted in the Navy in the summer of 2013.
Steelman reported to basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. June 13, 2013. He attended Boatswain "A" School at Great Lakes, Ill. Upon graduation from "A" school, he reported to his first duty station, Pre Commissioning Unit America (LHA 6), in October 2013. In 2014 Steelman help commission the USS America. During his tour, he struck MC3 and earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Steelman reported to Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) Detachment Hawaii in 2016. In 2018, Steelman was named NPASE’s Sailor of the Year, and the Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards Strategic Communicator of the Year.
He then attended the Advanced Military Visual Journalism program at the Newhouse School for Public Communications at Syracuse University in June 2019.
Steelman reported to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in August 2020 where he currently serves as the Leading Petty Officer for Media Department. Throughout his tour, his department supported efforts for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and the support of the drawdown of troops from Afghanistan. The ship is currently undergoing
He is authorized to wear the Good Conduct medal (2), National Defense Service medal, Sea Service ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Expeditionary medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon (2), and Navy Pistol Sharpshooter ribbon.
