In 2014, CDR  Emily Bassett became the Executive Officer of the USS ARLINGTON (LPD-24) and was selected for O-5 Command At Sea. Her story of 16 years of service in the US Navy is that of an Officer continually searching to learn more to better serve.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilizations and Italian from Boston University, and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, CDR (sel) Bassett serves in the US Navy as a Nuclear Engineering trained Surface Warfare Officer. Throughout her naval career, she’s held leadership positions in four ships: a Commanding Officer in the USS MANCHESTER (LCS 14), a Combat Information Officer in the USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), Reactor Laboratories Division Officer in USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), Operations Officer in USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) and a Reactor Electrical Assistant in USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72).

Starting her Olmsted experience in 2008, she was assigned to the seaside, port city of Cadiz, Spain, where she spent her first year learning Spanish and the following two years earning a Master’s degree in Hispanic Studies. CDR (sel) Bassett says, “The Olmsted experience was a pivotal point in my personal and professional life. It exponentially expanded my perception of my limits.” Her Olmsted experience included an internship at the El Puerto de Santa Maria Town Hall Office of Historical Patrimony, a presentation (in Spanish) at Seville University on women in the US Navy and the healthy pregnancies and deliveries of her daughter and son.