by Stephanie Fox
Navy Office of Community Outreach
A Hilton native is serving aboard USS Ross, a U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
Petty Officer 2nd Class John Dengel is a 2017 Brockport High School graduate. Today, Dengel serves as an operations specialist.
“As operations specialists we participate in nearly all shipboard maritime operations, from tracking and detecting surface vessels, to controlling aircraft and even navigating,” said Dengel.
Dengel joined the Navy three years ago for the opportunities the military offers.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and to serve my country,” Dengel said.
According to Dengel, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hilton.
“Growing up independent for the majority of my life and moving around a lot prepared me for my challenges in the Navy,” Dengel said
USS Ross is named in honor of Captain Donald Kirby Ross, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.
According to Navy officials, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are highly-capable, multi-mission ships that conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Dengel is most proud of the work.
“It’s a privilege to be given responsibility even at 21 years old,” said Dengel. “I’m also proud of having the opportunity to see ten countries.”
“Our sailors remain the true source of our naval power,” said Gilday. “Mission one for every sailor remains a ready Navy, a Navy ready to compete today, and a Navy ready to compete tomorrow. Together we will deliver the naval power the nation needs.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Dengel, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving the Navy means a lot to me,” added Dengel. “It means being the best I can be and seeing how far I can go.”
