Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Plankowner of the Week Questionnaire

STGSN DANO

Hometown:        MOSES LAKE, WA

Why and when you joined the Navy?    I joined the Navy on April 1^st, 2009. I joined to serve my country and support my family. My grandfather served in the Navy and retired as a Lieutenant Commander on the USS IOWA. When I decided to join the military the Navy was the obvious choice.

What is your job onboard SPRUANCE?  I am a Sonar Tech and the Starboard Mount Captain. My division operates the ship’s sonar and defends the ship from subsurface threats. As starboard mount captain I prepare the starboard surface vessel torpedo tubes and make them ready to engage a threat.

What you like most about the Navy: Being a part of something bigger than myself. The Navy is charged with the protection of our home. We all fight side by side regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or religious background. That is a boast few in the world can make. That is what makes the Navy great.

What you most like about the SPRUANCE:  My division is awesome. Teamwork is an integral part of success in the Navy. My division demonstrates that daily. We are asked to work in very close quarters and rely on communication to accomplish our mission. Without proper teamwork we would not succeed. I’m proud to say that is not an issue.

What is most exciting about being on the newest navy destroyer and why? We are the latest and greatest and proud to be. Few people get the opportunity to be a part of the creation of a brand new Navy ship. Being a Plankowner is a great honor. I am very lucky to be a part of it.      

What are your long term goals?  My long term goal is to make a career out of the navy and make the rank of Chief Petty Officer.  I would like to attend school and receive a degree. I also hope to save enough money to take lessons to fly helicopters.