Severna Park Resident Embodies Veterans Day Values As A Member Of U.S. Navy Reserve

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As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Captain Margaret Dean, a resident of Severna Park, supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy surface warfare officer who is responsible for being a commanding officer.

Dean is a 1993 Girls Preparatory School graduate and native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dean also earned a degree from United States Naval Academy in 1997 majoring in ocean engineering.

Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.

“The Navy Reserve is a 100,000-strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Admiral Luke McCollum, chief of Navy Reserve.

The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.

In addition to serving in the Navy Reserve, Dean has worked at her civilian job for the past 10 years.

“Being a Navy reservist is a full-time commitment that requires balancing civilian life, personal life and your military life by prioritizing,” said Dean.

As a Navy reservist, Dean serves with Commander Navy Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Navy Reserve Type Commander Headquarters responsible for leading diverse Navy officers and sailors to improve the culture aboard ships, provide care to the ships, help the ships in repairing equipment and supply Navy reservists for ship-handling skills.

Dean is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80% of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90% of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Dean is most proud of her Surface Warfare Officer pin.

“Earning my SWO pin required nine months of formal general and specialized education in shipboard procedures, equipment and processes, followed by a year of a hands-on apprenticeship aboard a ship,” said Dean. “It was hard work, but that work was enabled by all the amazing people who helped me. Being in the Navy is about the people you serve with - and my personal recognition couldn't have been achieved without them.”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Dean, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Dean is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“My paternal grandfather began his service as a '90-day wonder' during World War II serving in the Pacific Fleet as a surface warfare officer,” said Dean. “Following the war, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve, where he retired after 20 years of service to the nation.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dean and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, providing the Navy the nation needs.

“The United States of America is a truly amazing country - and having the opportunity to serve our nation, protecting the freedoms we enjoy, is truly its own reward; however, when I think of what serving in the Navy means - it's about friendships and relationships that last a lifetime,” added Dean. “It is about a group of people who would truly do anything to support you. It is about absolute trust, the constant striving to be our best selves and best organization is what makes it just amazing to be a part of our U.S. military.”

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