Mass Communications Specialist 1 Larry Carlson, left, receives the U.S. flag during his retirement ceremony.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Chief Petty Officer Lawrence Carlson’s 20-year career in the U.S. Navy was recently celebrated among family and colleagues at the new Navy Operational Support Center at Naval Air Station Fallon.
Carlson, a Mass Communications Specialist 1, first learned as a teenager what the Navy offered to young sailors who desired a career in mass communications and photography. When he was a high-school senior, Carlson said he took a photography class from an old Vietnam veteran.
“He told me I should join the Navy,” Carlson recalled of his teacher’s advice.
Instead, the 52-year-old Carlson attended college and received his degree four years later. After years of being a substitute teacher and delivering pizza at night, Carlson wasn’t satisfied with his life’s direction. Carlson said he talked to the recruiter and enlisted in the Navy on Oct. 24, 2000, to become a photographer. When delivering his remarks, Carlson stopped for a moment.
“I joined the Navy to be close to the ocean,” he said, drawing some laughter.
Cmdr. Daniel Dolan, left, Naval Air Station Fallon’s operations officer, presents Mass Communications Specialist 1 Larry Carlson with a number of awards at Carlson’s retirement ceremony. Photo: Steve Ranson
Carlson reflected on some of his early assignments, especially when he served on the USS Green Bay, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock that was commissioned in 2009. The prior year Carlson became the ship’s public affairs officer. One of the first assignments was setting up interviews with the ship’s captain and civilian groups.
“I enjoyed the public affairs part of the job,” he said, adding the success of any assignment rests with connections.
Carlson offered more advice. He said if individuals can’t solve a problem, then they need to rely on their colleagues for help. Additionally, Carlson said he cut his long-term goals into shorter ones to make them more manageable.
After his retirement ceremony, Mass Communications Specialist 1 Larry Carlson, left, poses with his longtime friend, Casey Mink. Photo: Steve Ranson
Carlson arrived at NAS Fallon for his final assignment in May 2018, and he was immediately involved with the activities of the air station. He covered many activities at the air station including training activities, ceremonies such as pinnings and promotions and events involving the filming of the Top Gun movie sequel. He attended a number of meetings involving the Navy’s range modernization and expansion and became involved with covering NAS Fallon’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
He saved his last accolades to the end, especially for James “Zip” Upham, public affairs officer at NAS Fallon.
“Zip is an amazing boss,” Carlson said, adding NAS Fallon has been a great last duty station.
“Larry brought a solid skill set and dedication to the mission,” Upham added.
During the past three years, Upham said Carlson had the ability to integrate the sailors with the other commands.
“He made my job easier,” Upham pointed out.
Carlson also thanked his family for attending the retirement ceremony, and said his family has been his rock over the years. He will be relocating to Southern California near Camp Pendleton where he’ll provide public affairs support for an author.
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