Captain Daniel Dusek

USS Essex

Captain Daniel Dusek
Executive Officer (May 2011 - April 2012)

CAPT Daniel Dusek is a native of Waldport, Oregon. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington in 1989 and was commissioned as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.

His initial sea tour was in USS LEWIS B. PULLER (FFG 23), homeported in Long Beach, California, serving as Damage Control Assistant, Navigator and Administrative Officer. In 1993 he was assigned to USS NIMITZ (CVN-68), homeported in Bremerton, Washington as OI Division Officer and Training Officer. Following Department Head School, he reported as Chief Engineer in USS TAYLOR (FFG 50), homeported in Mayport, Florida, deploying to the Arabian Gulf in support of Maritime Interdiction Operations. In 2000 he was assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE in Everett, Washington as Material Officer. In 2001 he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2002 CAPT Dusek reported to USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) homeported in Everett, Washington, as Executive officer. During this tour he deployed to SEVENTH Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. CAPT Dusek commanded USS FITZGERALD (DDG-62) April 2007 through October 2008. During his tour in USS FITZGERALD, he conducted operations in the C7F AOR winning two consecutive DESRON 15 Battle Effectiveness Awards, Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award, two consecutive PACFLT ASW Bloodhound Awards for the most proficient ship in anti-submarine operations and two consecutive CNSF Unit Tactics Awards for combat systems proficiency including BMD operations. CAPT Dusek also served as the COMSEVENTH Fleet Deputy Operations Officer embarked on USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) from January 2009 through February 2011, where he was responsible for all aspects of Fleet Operations in the C7F AOR.

Ashore CAPT Dusek attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, earning a Master of Science Degree in Physical Oceanography. CAPT Dusek received his second Masters Degree from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 2006. While at the Naval War College CAPT Dusek was assigned as the sole US Navy representative to the Naval Command College, the Naval War College’s Senior International program. CAPT Dusek also completed a tour ashore assigned to Commander, THIRD Fleet in San Diego, California as the Current & Future Operations and Scheduling Officer.

CAPT Dusek assumed his current assignment as Executive Officer on the USS ESSEX (LHD 2) forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in May 2011.

CAPT Dusek’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards).

NEWS

Essex Sailors Check Float Coats in Flight Deck

Inspecting Float Coats in Flight Deck on USS Essex

Essex Thanks JRMC Sasebo through Luncheon

SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 18, 2012) – USS Essex (LHD 2) hosted a lunch for over 100 personnel assigned to the Japan Regional Maintenance Center detachment Sasebo (JRMC) Jan. 18. The lunch was held to thank the JRMC detachment Sasebo team for their services to Essex for over 11 years of being forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan.

Essex Hosts Naturalization Ceremony

SASEBO, Japan – The flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) was the backdrop for 35 Sailors and Marines, nine spouses and two children becoming U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony May 20.

Japanese College Students Tour Essex

SASEBO, Japan – Japanese students from the University of Fukuoka had the opportunity to see the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) up close and personal during a ship tour May 27.

Essex ARG Departs Japan for Exercise Talisman Sabre

SASEBO, Japan - The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departs Fleet Activities Sasebo to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

31st MEU walk down the pier at White Beach Naval Facility to embark the USS Essex

USS Essex embarks 31st MEU Aviation Combat Element

After onloading the ground elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) got underway to embark aircraft from the MEU's Aviation Combat Element (ACE).

HSC 25 Trains with Essex ARG during Talisman Sabre 2011

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force cadets during a tour of USS Essex

JMSDF Cadets Tour USS Essex

Cadets of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) working aboard the Shirane class destroyer JS Kurama (DDH-144) toured the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

Biological and radiological protection gear drill on board USS Essex (LHD 2).

Essex Sailors Prepare for ULTRA-C Evaluation

The crew of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS ESSEX (LHD 2) prepared for its upcoming Unit Level Training Assessment-Certification (ULTRA-C) by fighting a simulated helicopter crash/fire and responding to a simulated mass casualty scenario on the flight deck.

Pacific Fleet Master Chief Visits USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan - Sailors from ship and shore commands across fleet activities Sasebo gathered aboard the USS Essex to discuss a number of important topics with Pacific Fleet Master Chief John Minyard.

Navy Announces USS Bonhomme Richard to Relieve USS Essex in Forward Deployed Role

The Navy announced Aug. 19 that USS Essex (LHD 2) will be relieved in February by USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed amphibious assault ship in Sasebo, Japan

Inspectors Complete Training Assessment Aboard USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan – Sailors aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) completed a week-long limited training evaluation with Afloat Training Group (ATG) Western Pacific Aug. 26

USS Essex (LHD 2) Crew Celebrates Centennial of Naval Aviation

SASEBO, Japan (Sept. 2, 2011) - Capt. David Fluker, commanding officer of the USS Essex (LHD 2), addresses the ship's crew during a Centennial of Naval Aviation ceremony.

USS Essex (LHD 2) launches a RIM-7P Sea Sparrow missile during a live-fire missile exercise

USS Essex (LHD 2) ARG Departs for Western Pacific Patrol

SASEBO, Japan - Ships of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Sasebo, Japan Sept. 21 to begin a patrol of the Western Pacific region. During the patrol, Essex ARG will embark and work with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to complete an amphibious integration training and certification exercise off the coast of Okinawa.

AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands on the flight deck of the USS Essex LHD2

AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). USS Essex is part of the forward deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and is conducting operations in the Western Pacific.

USS Essex (LHD 2) Sailors Complete Ordnance Onload Prior to Deployment

SASEBO, Japan - Sailors aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) completed an ordnance onload Sept. 23, to prepare for their deployment.

High mobility multi-purpose vehicles with the 31st MEU drive onto the USS Essex (LHD 2) at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa

USS Essex embarks 31st MEU Aviation Combat Element

After completing the onload of the ground elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) got underway to embark aircraft with the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element (ACE).

USS Essex (LHD 2) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Justin Mitchell, right, fires the shot line to USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9)

USS Essex Completes Replenishment at Sea

PHILLIPINE SEA - The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS), which included a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) of supplies, with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) Oct. 3.

Marines assigned to the 31st MEU prepare to disembark the USS Essex

Essex Arrives in Subic Bay for Amphibious Landing Exercise

Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) prepare to disembark the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

Sailors take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony held aboard USS Essex

Essex Hosts Naturalization Ceremony in Subic Bay

Eighteen Sailors became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Oct. 31.

Essex Celebrates Marine Corps’ 236th Birthday

Sailors and Marines aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) celebrated the Marine Corps’ 236th birthday on the ship’s flight deck Nov. 10.

USS Essex Embarks Indonesian Military Liaison Officers

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) embarked four Indonesian military liaison officers during its current deployment, Nov. 14.

USS Essex and Stethem Arrive in Bali for Port Visit

BALI, Indonesia (Nov. 20, 2011) - The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Bali, Indonesia Nov. 20 for a port visit during their deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

USS Essex Hosts Reception in Bali, Indonesia

BALI, Indonesia – Senior military and civil officials from the U.S. and Indonesia attended a reception hosted onboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Nov. 20 to celebrate cooperation between the two countries.

USS Essex Celebrates Thanksgiving At Sea

INDIAN OCEAN – Sailors and Marines aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex came together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at sea.

Sailors man the forward lookout watch on the signal bridge of USS Essex (LHD 2) as the ship arrives in Manila for a port visit.

Essex Arrives in Manila for Port Visit

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines (Nov. 28, 2011) – The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 30 for a port visit.

Essex Completes Patrol of Western Pacific

SASEBO, JAPAN (Dec. 8, 2011) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to Sasebo, Japan Dec. 8, after completing a two-and-a-half month patrol of the Western Pacific.

Japanese Artist Gives Thanks to Essex Through Artwork

SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 13, 2011) - Mr. Takashi Shima, a painter and photographer for over 50 years, visited the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Tuesday Dec. 13 to deliver a painting of the ship to the commanding officer, Capt. David Fluker, in recognition of its participation in Operation Tomodachi. The water color painting shows Essex at sea during flight operations with several CH-53E Sea Stallions flying overhead.

Republic of Korea Consulate General and Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate Fukuoka Visit USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan - The Republic of Korea Consulate General Cho Jung-Won and Principal Officer U.S. Consulate Fukuoka Jason R. Cubas visited forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Dec.

Republic of Korea Consulate General Visits USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan - The Republic of Korea consulate general and the principal officer U.S. Consulate Fukuoka visited forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Dec. 29.

Chief of Navy’s Chaplain Corps Visits USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan – The Chief of Navy Chaplains, Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd visited the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 6.

USS Essex Hosts Years First Sasebo Navy League Business Meeting

SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 17, 2012) – Sasebo’s Navy League held their first business meeting of 2012 during a dinner held onboard USS Essex (LHD 2) Jan. 17.

Commander ESG 3 Visits Essex to Talk Hull Swap

SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 23, 2012) – Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, commander Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visited the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Jan. 23, to discuss with Essex leadership the upcoming hull swap with USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

At Sea Fire Drill Exercise on USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan - Damage Controlman 2nd Class Daniel Marks debriefs the at-sea fire party after a drill aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

LCAC Enters Well Deck of USS Essex

SASEBO, Japan - A landing craft air cushioned vehicle, assigned to Assault Craft Unit Five Detachment Western Pacific (ACU-5), enters the well-deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Mackenzie P. Adams/Released)

First Class Advancement Exams on USS Essex

OKINAWA, Japan (March 1, 2012) Yeoman 2nd Class Kyle Parker takes his first class petty officer advancement examination aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

Physical Training on board USS Essex (lhd2)

Sailors and Marines Conduct Physical Training on board USS Essex

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 8, 2012) – Sailors and Marines conducted physical training on the flight deck aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

Air Combat Element Embarks Aboard Essex

SOUTH CHINA SEA – The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) successfully embarked aircraft and aircrews from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), March 5.

Capt. David Fluker answers questions for the Japanese media.

Japanese Media Visits USS Essex

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 10, 2012) - Capt. David Fluker, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) answers questions for Japanese press during a media visit March 10. Essex, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group.