Palmer High School alum returns home for Anchorage Navy Week

U.S. Navy sailors from across the fleet are headed to Alaska for Anchorage Navy Week, June 16 to 22, to volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

While many of the sailors are from all over the country, this Navy Week will carry special meaning for visiting sailors from the area, including Petty Officer 1st Class Olivia Nutter, a native of Palmer.

Nutter graduated from Palmer High School in 2016. Upon joining the Navy, Nutter quickly found that many of the skills and values forged in Palmer were the same as those needed to succeed in the Navy.

“Growing up in Alaska, I was constantly surrounded by hardworking, resilient people in sometimes very rural places,” Nutter said. “That environment taught me the value of grit and dedication from a young age. That foundation shaped my own work ethic and has remained with me throughout my time in the Navy. It’s helped me stay disciplined, push through challenges, and stay committed to both personal growth and mission success.”

Nutter notes that the Alaska environment influenced the person they are today.

“Alaska’s landscape and wilderness had a profound impact on who I am today,” Nutter said. “It instilled a deep appreciation for the positive things in life, a perspective shaped by being surrounded by such immense beauty. The constant opportunities for adventure naturally fostered a curious spirit and a love of exploration.”

Nutter, who joined the Navy five years ago, is assigned to Cyber Strike Activity 63 at Fort Meade, Maryland.

“I originally joined the Navy seeking a stable career, professional development and educational opportunities — and it has provided all of that and so much more,” Nutter said. “Looking back, I could never have imagined the path my service would lead me down, but I’m incredibly proud of who I’ve become and where I’m headed. The Navy has challenged me to grow not just professionally, but physically, mentally and spiritually. One of the most meaningful aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to lead and mentor junior sailors.”

Nutter is part of the first Navy Week to be hosted by Anchorage. Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.

“I’m truly honored to take part in Anchorage Navy Week because it brings together two parts of my identity that mean a lot to me — my love for Alaska and my pride in serving in the Navy,” Nutter said. “Being able to represent the Navy in my home community is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Alaska has a strong military presence overall, but the Navy isn’t as visible here, so it’s exciting to help bridge that gap and share what we do. It’s especially meaningful to be part of the very first Anchorage Navy Week as we celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday — that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Today, Nutter serves as a cyber warfare technician.

“As a cyber warfare technician, my day usually starts with caffeine and ends with wondering how it’s already 1600,” Nutter said. “I spend a lot of time diving into technical tasks that keep our mission moving. I get to work with some of the smartest people I’ve ever met, which keeps me on my toes. Outside of the tech side, I help with administrative work and guide junior sailors, which is one of the most rewarding — and occasionally chaotic — parts of the day. There’s never a dull moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Nutter has had many opportunities to excel in the Navy and sees military service as more than just a job – it represents a chance to become a better person. While serving, Nutter earned a bachelor’s degree in computer networks and cyber security in 2023 and a master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation in 2025, both from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Nutter has done well and was recently selected to start a new path in the Navy.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being selected for a commission as a maritime cyber warfare officer,” Nutter said. “I’ll be attending Officer Candidate School later this summer, and it’s an incredible honor to take this next step in my career. What makes it even more meaningful is being able to mentor junior sailors who are pursuing similar goals. Whether it’s helping them with college applications or guiding them through the OCS process, I’m proud to support their journeys and give back to the community that has supported mine.”

Nutter is grateful for the Palmer community and for those who helped make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family for their unwavering love and support throughout my Navy journey,” added Nutter. “Being stationed far from Alaska — with all the time zone challenges and long travel days — hasn’t always been easy. But no matter the distance, we’ve always found ways to stay connected and make the most of our time together. Their encouragement has meant everything to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Anchorage.

“Sailors are the reason America’s Navy is the most powerful in the world,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, NAVCO’s director. “We are thrilled to bring your Navy warfighters to Anchorage Navy Week. At Navy Weeks, Americans will connect with sailors who have strong character, competence, and dedication to the mission, and who continue a 250-year tradition of decisive power from seabed to cyberspace.”