Marshfield Native Serving Aboard USS John Stennis

Thursday, April 10th, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

Petty Officer 1st Class Cole Tallman, a native of Marshfield, Wisconsin, serves aboard USS John C. Stennis, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of Newport News, Virginia.

Aircraft carriers are among the largest warships in the world. Tallman graduated from Marshfield High School in 2018. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Marshfield.

“Growing up in Marshfield, I learned the superior work ethic that set me apart from my peers,” Tallman said. "I learned this work ethic from my stepfather, Kevin Ohm, when I was working on our family farm and it has served me well in the Navy."

Tallman joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Tallman serves as an electrician's mate (nuclear). “I joined the Navy because of the legacy started by my grandfather, Bruce Tallman, and for the hope for a brighter future,” Tallman said.

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. ​

USS John C. Stennis is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.

According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases.

They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Tallman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I am proud of my gender transition while serving in the Navy,” Tallman said.

"It was the largest and most difficult administrative and social change I have endured. This success is largely due to the tremendous support I have received from my shipmates."

Tallman serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security. Tallman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my mother for her tremendous effort raising me and my brother,” Tallman added. "I remind myself every day of the sacrifices she made for us and I know my service would not be possible without her. Most of all, I want to thank my fiancee, Ezra, for her continued support and sacrifice throughout my transition."

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