SAN DIEGO. – Ensign Dean Lewandowski, a native of La Pine, Oregon, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Lewandowski serves as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Growing up in La Pine, Lewandowski attended La Pine High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Lewandowski uses the same skills and values learned in La Pine to succeed in the military.
“From a young age I was taught that you get out of life what you put into it,” said Lewandowski. “To be able to achieve my goals, I know that I need to work hard."
These lessons have helped Lewandowski while serving in the Navy.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task: get this ship ready,” said Capt. John Kiefaber, USS Tripoli’s executive officer. “They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Lewandowski is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy helps protect everyone at home,” said Lewandowski. “We also help keep other countries safe too. We keep traffic lanes open and make sure we have access where we need to have access.”
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.”
Lewandowski and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Having the chance to drive the ship is my greatest naval accomplishment,” said Lewandowski. “It was intimidating the first time, but it was also a very proud moment.”
As Lewandowski and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It is an honor to serve my country while carrying on my family’s tradition of naval service,” added Lewandowski.