SAN DIEGO - Chief Petty Officer Alex Dodge, a native of Taft, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Dodge graduated from Brookwood High School in Ontario, Wisconsin, in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Taft
“My hometown taught me how to be a duck,” Dodge said. "Maintaining a calm exterior despite struggling beneath the surface will allow you to get through anything. There will always be good and bad in the Navy. However, despite demanding times, the Navy provides me endless new opportunities like traveling to Dubai, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Mersielle. If you look at anything with the right lens, there is always a positive take away."
Dodge joined the Navy fifteen years ago. Today, Dodge serves as an electrician machinist's mate (nuclear).
“I joined the Navy for patriotism,” Dodge said. "I heard about 9/11 when I was nine years old and I knew immediately I wanted to serve. I was originally torn between the Navy and Air Force but after praying about it, I felt myself drawn more towards the Navy. The Navy allowed me the opportunity to work in a capacity that I always wanted to. To work in electronics and mechanical hands-on nuclear knowledge was an amazing opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I joined the Delayed Entry Program and enlisted immediately after graduation."
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Dodge has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is when someone says, ‘Thank you Chief for your help’,” Dodge said. "I aspired to receive this rank so that I could help others and, making a positive impact on someone's lifem is the most fulfilling thing I get to do in the Navy."
Dodge 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 serving something greater than you,” Dodge said. “I not only get to serve the people around me but the world as a whole. I know I am a small piece but I am part of a puzzle that has a positive impact on the greater world. I am also teaching my boys who are seven and ten to make sacrifices and work hard for what they believe in.”
Dodge is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Emerald, and my kids, Gideon and Jesse, first and foremost,” Dodge said. "I also want to thank my parents, Lawrence and Penny, for providing me the foundation and support to be where I am today. My priorities have always been God, family and country. I have the opportunity to serve the best family and country I could've imagined."
Dodge offered words of advice to those considering a career in military service.
“Growing up, we didn't have a lot of resources,” Dodge added. "Through the Navy, I have had more opportunities than I could've imagined like buying my dream car and furthering my education.”