CTT1(IW/AW) Robin Nicole Collins, USN
August 9, 1994 — July 18, 2021

Robin Collins was born on August 9, 1994 to Michelle Dyer and John Collins and raised in Manchester, Missouri. Robin was the younger sister to John Collins III and twin sister to Kristin Collins. Throughout high school she enjoyed multiple sports, but her passion was Cross Country running and Lacrosse. She graduated from Parkway South High School in 2013. After graduation she moved to Florida where she, and Kristin, attended Stetson University for two years before transferring over to Eastern Florida State.

While attending Eastern Florida, and working at Bruster’s, Robin and her sister decided to join the military. In January 2016, Robin enlisted in the United States Navy as a Cryptologic Technician (Technical). After graduating Bootcamp, she attended “A” School at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.

In September 2016, Robin arrived at her first duty station the USS McCampbell (DDG-85) homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Robin was stationed on the USS McCampbell for over three years. Throughout the years there she accomplished so much more than what could seemingly be possible for a Sailor, let alone a first term Sailor. Her shipmate Klint Goss remembers her tenacity and leadership skills “To limit any one instance of excellence would only narrow how phenomenal of a worker, leader, and colleague she truly was to not only me, but anyone she focused her energy towards.” While onboard, she was promoted to Third Class Petty Officer and Second Class Petty Officer. She tackled overwhelming obstacles far beyond her newly earned paygrade of E5 and became the only CTT Technician (a job that she was not trained for, and typically takes a year of specialized schooling) onboard. She rose to every challenge seemingly with ease. At one point in time Robin led a team of 2 to complete the workload of a 14-Sailor division to ensure her work center was ready and capable of getting underway and going to war if needed.

Robin never missed an opportunity to go exploring and seek new adventures during her off-time. She was able to see the wonders of Japan around her from ice wall climbing, hiking, river rafting, skiing, and zip lining. She always brought the excitement of the endeavor to the highest level with her natural excitement and energy.

After her tour in 7th Fleet, she returned to Corry Station to attend OPELINT C School for her next assignment to Commander SIXTH FLEET, while there she was selected for Advancement to First Class Petty Officer. She reported to Naples, Italy in September 2020. Immediately upon reporting she was selected to take on the responsibilities as Leading Petty Officer. Again, Robin showed her leadership and Sailors truly how amazing she was. She led more than 20 Sailors across 4 different lines of effort to ensure warships in the SIXTHFLT AOR had the most up to date I&W for safety of ship.

While travel in Italy was secured for a portion of her time in Italy, Robin again took every opportunity to go to new places such as Florence, Rome, Matera, hiking Mount Vesuvio, going antique shopping, and lots wine tasting, of course.

Robin’s personal goal was to complete her tour at SIXTHFLT and then pursue an energy degree. In 2020 she was accepted to Penn State University and began working on her degree in Environment Sustainability. Her travels in Asia and Europe inspired her to pursue an energy degree after seeing the capabilities of plastic alternatives, sorting trash and decreasing waste in landfills and the ocean, windmills, and so many more.

Everyone that had the opportunity to meet Robin could all agree that she was genuine and truly cared for people. She made it a habit of getting to know her Sailors, not just as Sailors, but as people. From throwing baby showers and gender reveal parties, teaching friends how to bake, hand making each Sailors favorite dessert for their Birthday – all of it told you how much she cared about you, and everyone else. Robin was the best of them all. No matter her stressors or workload, she was always willing to help others when they truly needed it.

Robin Nicole Collins gave the Ultimate Sacrifice on July 18, 2021 while on duty when a shelter roof and chimney collapsed on her during heavy weather.