SAN DIEGO - Lt. Joe Dantay, a native of Chula Vista, California, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Dantay graduated from Olympian High School in 2012.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Dantay graduated from Olympian High School in 2012.
Dantay joined the Navy six and a half years ago. Today, Dantay serves as a pilot.
“I joined the Navy to fly,” Dantay said. “My dad also inspired me because he was in the Navy and served as an aviation electronics technician. He was the first person to show me a helicopter, and since I saw that first, I knew I was going to become a helicopter pilot. The last reason I joined is because I felt comfortable with this lifestyle. I was already aware of it because of my upbringing, but I wanted to experience it in a different way by serving myself.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
“I joined the Navy to fly,” Dantay said. “My dad also inspired me because he was in the Navy and served as an aviation electronics technician. He was the first person to show me a helicopter, and since I saw that first, I knew I was going to become a helicopter pilot. The last reason I joined is because I felt comfortable with this lifestyle. I was already aware of it because of my upbringing, but I wanted to experience it in a different way by serving myself.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dantay has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Wings of Gold,” Dantay said. “I am proud of that because it is the first thing I really accomplished in the Navy, and it took me three years to achieve. Flying was also my main goal coming into the Navy, and earning my Wings allowed me to do just that. Wings of Gold are a badge of honor and it shows everyone that I am a naval aviator.”
Dantay serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“When I first joined the Navy, it was for my own personal reasons, but the longer I stayed in, the more I realized that what we are doing is bigger than myself,” Dantay said. “We are here to make a difference in protecting our country and our families. I am more appreciative now of the people who have come before me because I know how hard it is to be on the front lines. However, I am at ease knowing that I am protecting the people I love and the people who came before me.”
Dantay is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First, I want to thank my wife, Jessica, for everything she does at home,” Dantay added. “Without her, nothing would be functioning correctly. I’m thankful for her strength, knowledge and wisdom, and for taking care of our baby all while maintaining a full-time job. I also would have never gotten through deployment without her love. I want to thank Raffy as well because, without him, I would not be where I am today. He challenged me to be a better person and helped me become the leader I am today in the Navy. Lastly, I want to thank my mom, Marites, for her love. Growing up, she taught me to be more empathetic towards others. She made me the person I am today, ensuring I put others above myself so everyone is cared for. I am thankful for her teaching me compassion because I think I would be in a far worse place if I didn’t have that.”
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dantay has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Wings of Gold,” Dantay said. “I am proud of that because it is the first thing I really accomplished in the Navy, and it took me three years to achieve. Flying was also my main goal coming into the Navy, and earning my Wings allowed me to do just that. Wings of Gold are a badge of honor and it shows everyone that I am a naval aviator.”
Dantay serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“When I first joined the Navy, it was for my own personal reasons, but the longer I stayed in, the more I realized that what we are doing is bigger than myself,” Dantay said. “We are here to make a difference in protecting our country and our families. I am more appreciative now of the people who have come before me because I know how hard it is to be on the front lines. However, I am at ease knowing that I am protecting the people I love and the people who came before me.”
Dantay is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First, I want to thank my wife, Jessica, for everything she does at home,” Dantay added. “Without her, nothing would be functioning correctly. I’m thankful for her strength, knowledge and wisdom, and for taking care of our baby all while maintaining a full-time job. I also would have never gotten through deployment without her love. I want to thank Raffy as well because, without him, I would not be where I am today. He challenged me to be a better person and helped me become the leader I am today in the Navy. Lastly, I want to thank my mom, Marites, for her love. Growing up, she taught me to be more empathetic towards others. She made me the person I am today, ensuring I put others above myself so everyone is cared for. I am thankful for her teaching me compassion because I think I would be in a far worse place if I didn’t have that.”