SAN DIEGO - Lt. Hannah Denny, a native of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), where the Navy’s surface warfighters increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Denny graduated from Ridley High School in 2013 and from Old Dominion University in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ridley Park.
“I learned growing up to always be proud of where you come from and what you've accomplished in life,” Denny said. “The Navy makes you appreciate what you have. For example, people in my hometown don’t get outside of the city much so having the opportunity to join the Navy and live in San Diego makes me appreciate what I have.”
Denny joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Denny serves as a surface warfare officer.
“My grandfather was a quartermaster in the Navy and my Aunt has worked as an engineer for the Navy her whole life,” Denny said. “Growing up, I would hear their stories and it made me interested in the Navy. They helped me get into the program and have mentored me through it. I also joined to do something different than everyone else in my hometown.”
"SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force," said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
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.
Denny has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of taking time to better my mental health so I could be a better leader to my sailors,” Denny said. “Two years ago, my sister passed away and I had to take time off to seek mental health help. Mental health is so stigmatized in the military and I think people need to speak about it more. I am also proud of becoming a warfare tactics instructor because it gives me the ability to train the fleet and better my knowledge as a subject matter expert.”
Denny serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of the bigger picture and contributing to the mission of making our country better,” Denny said.
Denny is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank God, my family, friends, Chiefs, sailors and my leadership because if it wasn’t for all of these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Denny. “As an officer, I truly believe that good leadership and knowledge starts from the deckplates and if you do not have a good working and trusting relationship with your sailors, you won't succeed. I also want to thank my mom, Erin Denny, and my sister, Emily Denny, for making me who I am today.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ridley Park.
“I learned growing up to always be proud of where you come from and what you've accomplished in life,” Denny said. “The Navy makes you appreciate what you have. For example, people in my hometown don’t get outside of the city much so having the opportunity to join the Navy and live in San Diego makes me appreciate what I have.”
Denny joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Denny serves as a surface warfare officer.
“My grandfather was a quartermaster in the Navy and my Aunt has worked as an engineer for the Navy her whole life,” Denny said. “Growing up, I would hear their stories and it made me interested in the Navy. They helped me get into the program and have mentored me through it. I also joined to do something different than everyone else in my hometown.”
"SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force," said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
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.
Denny has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of taking time to better my mental health so I could be a better leader to my sailors,” Denny said. “Two years ago, my sister passed away and I had to take time off to seek mental health help. Mental health is so stigmatized in the military and I think people need to speak about it more. I am also proud of becoming a warfare tactics instructor because it gives me the ability to train the fleet and better my knowledge as a subject matter expert.”
Denny serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of the bigger picture and contributing to the mission of making our country better,” Denny said.
Denny is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank God, my family, friends, Chiefs, sailors and my leadership because if it wasn’t for all of these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Denny. “As an officer, I truly believe that good leadership and knowledge starts from the deckplates and if you do not have a good working and trusting relationship with your sailors, you won't succeed. I also want to thank my mom, Erin Denny, and my sister, Emily Denny, for making me who I am today.”