Senior Chief Edward Klimek was born in Loup City, NE and Graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1991. In July 1993, he entered active-duty service in the Navy and reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of boot camp, he attended Seaman Apprentice Training prior to joining the fleet.
His first active-duty assignment was to the Destroyer Tender USS Puget Sound AD-38 stationed in Norfolk, VA. While serving at this command he became designated as a Boatswain’s Mate. His additional active-duty commands include Naval Station Norfolk, VA, Fleet Oiler USS Platte AO-186, and Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Norfolk, VA. While on active duty he completed 3 deployments to the Mediterranean Sea along with port visits to Cuba and Canada.
In July 2001, Senior Chief Klimek left active duty and returned to Nebraska affiliating with the Naval Reserve Seabees as an Engineering Aide Second Class. His reserve commands include Naval Mobile Construction Battalion’s 15, 17, 25 and Staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In June 2019, he was mobilized to active duty and stationed in Bahrain in support of the Middle East’s Operation Spartan Shield. After his yearlong deployment to the Middle East, he returned to reserve duty where he supported NMCB 25 and the Navy’s Funeral Honors Detail where has honored 507 veterans with military honors.
His military decorations and medals include 3 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals; 10 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations; 5 Navy "E" Ribbons; 6 Good Conduct Medals; 4 Reserve Good Conduct Medals; 2 National Defense Service Medals; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; 2 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons; Overseas Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/"M" Device; Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon; Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal; Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (Enlisted); Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist.
Senior Chief Klimek is a graduate of the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy, University of Nebraska at Kearney earning Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, and ITT Technical institute earning an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting.
He is employed at the City of Grand Island as the Chief Building Official where he takes pride in being a part of the growth and development of the community. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Hollie and their four children Ellisa, Tatyana, Talon, and Hayden.
