Commander Hardy is a Pacific Northwest native and attended Oregon State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Following his graduation in March 2002, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy through the
NROTC program. In 2020, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington State University.
After completing Surface Warfare Officer School and Damage Control Assistant School in Newport, Rhode Island in 2002, CDR Hardy reported to his first assignment on USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37) in Pearl Harbor. He served his first two division officer tours as the Electrical Officer and Training Officer. He quickly earned the designation as a Surface Warfare Officer following his first deployment. CDR Hardy deployed twice in support of counter narcotics operations in both the Southeast Pacific and the Caribbean. Hardy was released from active duty in 2005 and transferred to the Selected Reserve where he was assigned as a Research Liaison Officer in the Office of Naval Research/Naval Research Laboratory (ONR/NRL) Unit 115 in Everett, Washington.
Hardy deployed as an Individual Augmentee in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007. He served as the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Phoenix Resident Engineer in Northern Afghanistan where he coordinated multinational military mentoring and reconstruction efforts.
In 2010, Hardy was granted a change of designator to the Civil Engineer Corps. He was subsequently assigned to NMCB 18 and served as the Training Officer and Alpha Company Commander where he earned his Seabee Combat Warfare qualification. He was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the Reserve Component Augment Unit for Naval Construction Group ONE in 2013. In 2016, Hardy was assigned as an action officer at US Pacific Command supporting Operations, Plans and Readiness functions in the J44 Engineering Division.
In 2018 he completed a deployment as the Force Engineer for the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, overseeing US military construction, leasing and humanitarian aid projects in East Africa.
Since June 2020, Nathan served as Supervisory General Engineer and Operations Officer for the Office in Charge of Construction (OICC) China Lake which is responsible for the execution of the $2.5 billion China Lake Earthquake Recovery Program. In July 2024, Hardy assumed the role of Officer In Charge, Resident Officer In Charge Of Construction China Lake.
He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington, Project Management Professional. His personal military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star, and various other personal, campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 24 July 2024