From Desktop to Deck Plate

U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

10.18.2022

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Porsha Thompson 

Carrier Strike Group 10

Joseph Romano moved around a lot during his father’s U.S. Navy service. His family spent the longest periods of time in Pensacola, Florida, and San Diego, before he finally settled with his mother in Grand Prairie, Texas.

While some people shy away from military service as a result of this type of upbringing, Romano became inspired to do his duty.

While living and attending college in Grand Prairie, Romano worked as a cashier in a local grocery store. With his college experience not offering the opportunities he’d hoped and his job not offering much room for advancement, Romano decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and enlist in the Navy.

“I needed a change,” said Romano. “I’d realized college just wasn’t in the cards for me. I drove to the recruiting office in Irving, Texas, hoping for an IT rate. I could get software training and finish school while I served.”
Instead, on May 1, 2012, Romano graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, as an undesignated Sailor.

While at his first command, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), Romano took full advantage of the opportunity to experience different rates and strike the one that suited him. He chose the Navy’s oldest rate – boatswain’s mate.

“I love the tradition, and I love working throughout deck department,” said Romano. “I get to be active and enjoy the sunlight every day.”

While at his second command, the USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5), an expeditionary fast transport ship that primarily supports humanitarian aid and disaster relief, Romano used his extra time learning software and looking for a job in IT. When the time came, he decided to take a break from active duty and follow his initial plan to work with computers. After only two years, he decided he missed life at sea and made the decision to return to active duty in 2020.

Now a Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103), Romano is focused on developing the leadership skills that will take him to the next level.

“I still want to go back to school to study computers, but I’m excited to see where my career leads me,” said Romano.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON 26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2022
• Date Posted: 10.22.2022 06:57
• Story ID: 431652
• Location: U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY