MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy sailors from across the fleet are headed to Minnesota for Duluth Navy Week, June 30 to July 6, to volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Zenith City.
While many of the sailors are from all over the country, this Navy Week will carry special meaning for visiting sailors from the area, including Senior Chief Petty Officer KC Dueñas, a native of Duluth, Minnesota.
Dueñas graduated from East High School in 2002. Additionally, Dueñas earned an associate degree in arts and general studies from the University of Maryland, University College, in 2010, a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2018 and a naval studies certificate from the United States Naval Community College in 2024.
Upon joining the Navy, Dueñas quickly found that many of the skills and values forged in Duluth were the same as those needed to succeed in the Navy.
"Growing up in Duluth taught me the value of community and a strong work ethic," Dueñas said. "It always felt like everyone I met knew someone in my family, which motivated me to always put forth my best effort and make my loved ones proud. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my time in the Navy. When I'm teaching or mentoring others, I try to pass on that same pride in doing a job well and the importance of learning and growing along the way.
"I’m proud to be from Duluth—this city shaped who I am. The Navy gave me opportunities I never imagined, but the heart of who I am came from this community. I carry that with me wherever I go."
Dueñas, who joined the Navy 23 years ago, is assigned to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
"I talked to a recruiter and started the process to join the Navy Delayed Entry Program just a month after watching the twin towers fall during my senior year of high school," Dueñas said. "That day left a lasting impact on me, and it's something I still carry with me. Enlisting felt like a way to find purpose and contribute to something greater than myself. Looking back, my service gave me more than I expected—it instilled a lasting sense of duty, pride and a continued commitment to serving others."
Dueñas is part of the fourth Navy Week to be hosted by Duluth. Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.
Dueñas, who joined the Navy 23 years ago, is assigned to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
"I talked to a recruiter and started the process to join the Navy Delayed Entry Program just a month after watching the twin towers fall during my senior year of high school," Dueñas said. "That day left a lasting impact on me, and it's something I still carry with me. Enlisting felt like a way to find purpose and contribute to something greater than myself. Looking back, my service gave me more than I expected—it instilled a lasting sense of duty, pride and a continued commitment to serving others."
Dueñas is part of the fourth Navy Week to be hosted by Duluth. Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.
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"Before now, I had never heard of Navy Week, but I truly believe it’s an important initiative," Dueñas said. "It offers a rare and valuable opportunity for the Navy to step beyond bases and ships and connect with communities on a more personal level—especially in places without a strong military presence or frequent interaction with sailors. Representing the Navy in my hometown is an incredible honor. Navy Week is about more than uniforms and ships—it’s about connecting with people, sharing stories, and celebrating the values that unite us. Navy Week Duluth provides a unique chance for the public to engage with Sailors, learn about the Navy’s mission, and celebrate the spirit of service that connects communities across the country.
"Coming back to Duluth, the city that raised me, reminds me of where my values were built. It’s a proud moment to stand here and show others—especially young people—that service, dedication, and hometown pride can take you anywhere. Being able to participate in community events and outreach efforts is a great way to inspire the next generation of sailors and reinforce the Navy’s commitment to service. There’s something powerful about standing in your hometown, surrounded by familiar faces and showing them what service looks like. If even one young person sees me in uniform and imagines themselves serving, then this week will have made a lasting impact. I want them to know the world is bigger than they think—and their story can start right here in Duluth."
Today, Dueñas serves as a master-at-arms.
"As the Base Security Department's leading chief petty officer, my day-to-day responsibilities involve a significant amount of administrative work—routing paperwork, managing schedules and overseeing various security functions," Dueñas said. "My department includes Landside Security and Police Patrols, Harbor Patrol Units, Military Working Dogs, Counter-UAS operations, training coordination, base access and vehicle registration. While a large part of my role involves computer work and attending meetings, the highlight of my day is getting out from behind the desk and engaging directly with the sailors in my department. Interacting with them, checking in on their well-being and supporting their professional growth is by far the most rewarding and enjoyable part of my job."
Dueñas has had many opportunities to excel in the Navy and sees military service as more than just a job – it represents a chance to become a better person.
"Wearing the uniform for 23 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Dueñas said. "My proudest personal accomplishment in the Navy has been being able to successfully balance the roles of sailor, leader, mother and wife over the past 23 years—all while advancing to the rank of senior chief along the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has shaped me into the person and leader I am today. I’m also incredibly proud of each of the accomplishments of the sailors I’ve had the privilege to mentor. The calls and texts I receive from them when they succeed—whether it’s making rank, completing a qualification, or reaching a personal goal—mean the world to me. Those moments remind me that raising my right hand and continuing to serve was, and still is, the right choice."
Dueñas is grateful for the Duluth community and for those who helped make a Navy career possible.
"I want to give a heartfelt thank you to my parents, who have always been my biggest supporters," Dueñas added. "No matter how far away my career has taken me, they’ve been there for every reenlistment and promotion ceremony—whether in person or through technology like FaceTime. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
"I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention my husband and children. Without their love and sacrifices, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My successful career is a reflection of their dedication, and I owe them everything— not only for their unwavering support of me but also for the understanding and commitment they share toward the mission, which inspires and enables me to keep serving."
Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Duluth.
“This year, as we mark the Navy’s 250th birthday, we celebrate not only our rich history but also the generations of Sailors who have proudly served our nation,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Minnesota and the Great Lakes region is rich with naval history, and I am proud to help showcase the strength, resilience, and dedication of America’s Navy to the community of Duluth and beyond.”
Throughout the week, sailors will participate in community service projects with organizations such as Second Harvest Northland, Superior Hiking Trail, Union Gospel Mission, Keep Duluth Clean, Animal Allies and Douglas County Humane Societies, and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. They will also engage with local students through STEM-focused sessions at STARBASE Minnesota and offer healthcare presentations and scholarship opportunities at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the College of St. Scholastica. The Navy Band will perform live at venues across the city, bringing Navy pride and energy to Duluth residents. Duluth Navy Week will also include a city proclamation with Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, officially recognizing the event and honoring the Navy’s contributions to the Great Lakes region and to the nation.
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Duluth-2025