Tuesday, July 22, 2025

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Navy Sailor Steers Homeward Course

 

By Jim McCarty

NORTH CAPE MAY – In an ironic twist, U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Genevieve (Genny) Nevil touched New Jersey soil for the first time in nine months after taking a 70-minute cruise on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry April 18. This was in stark contrast to her recent deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman that carried her to many ports of call around the world.
When Nevil arrived at the ferry facility at North Cape May at 9:10 p.m., she was greeted by loud sirens, air horns and flashing emergency lights from Engine 21 of the West Wildwood fire department and a North Wildwood police cruiser. The guest of honor then bounded out of the car she rode in and hugged her family and friends with the enthusiasm of any sailor just returned home from the sea. At that point the reunion with family and friends began in earnest.
“Genny is a lifetime resident of Rio Grande,” Nevil’s brother Eric said. “She worked at Cape Trinity Catholic as a preschool aide as well as Owen’s Pub prior to enlisting.” He added that Nevil attended Cape May County Technical High School and graduated in 2008.
Nevil graduated from Navy boot camp at Great Lakes Training Center in November 2010. She was assigned to the Harry S. Truman as her first deployment. Eric said that she told him the toughest part of her deployment was missing family and many friends from the area. Public service runs in the Nevil family. In addition to Nevil, her uncles, cousin and grandfather served in the military; her brother Eric serves as a North Wildwood police officer.
According to Eric, his sister recently reenlisted in the Navy during the recent deployment to such ports as Spain, France, the Netherlands and Dubai. The ship also operated in the Gulf of Oman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship’s website added this synopsis of its latest tour of duty:
“While deployed, HST CSG conducted a full range of operations ranging from maritime security operations and multinational exercises, to providing air support for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. HST CSG also conducted integrated operations with the French navy’s Charles de Gaulle Strike Group over a five-week period in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, and Arabian Gulf.”
Nevil served as helmsman for the 1,092-feet-long, 103,000-ton warship that carries 90 aircraft. She was charged with helping to steer a “true and safe course” for the ship and its company of 6,000 sailors and marines from the ship’s bridge.
The cool, clear night air in North Cape May provided a great atmosphere for the return of this sailor as this family of servicemen and women drove off to enjoy each other’s company until the next deployment calls Nevil to sea.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.

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