Posted:
March 13, 2019
The USNS Howard O. Lorenzen recently had an all-female Bridge Watch Officer staff. This is a first in this program - all of the officers of the watch being female. Not only is this a proud moment for women in history, but for the maritime industry as well.
The Bridge Watch Officers:
Third Mate Hannah Jette, age 26, from Sturbridge, Mass. Her total time sailing is three years, with one year dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in International Maritime Business and Marine Transportation in 2016. While attending high school, she was told that a woman wouldn't be able to survive a career at sea. Hearing that gave her the fuel she needed to pursue her goals and successfully prove them wrong. Special thanks to Captain Chris Volkle and Captain Joseph Murphy, who were able to help her exceed in her career.
Second Mate Ashley Markey, age 27, from Charlotte, N.C. Her total time sailing is five years, with two of those dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. in 2014 with a degree in Marine Operations and Technology. She also serves in the United States Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant. Her initial career choice was to join the United States Coast Guard, but once she discovered the many career opportunities that Kings Point offered, she knew that she was destined to be a maritime officer.
Third Mate Michelle Danhof, age 27, from San Antonio, Texas. Her total time sailing is three years, with two of those dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. in 2016 with a degree in International Logistics and Transportation. She also serves in the United States Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant JG. While looking for a unique career choice, a family friend who went to Kings Point encouraged her to take a tour of the campus. The endless travel opportunities as well as the chance to excel in a professional trade lured her into attending Kings Point and sailing in the maritime industry.
The USNS Lorenzen's Captain, Robert Wiechert, age 59, from Port Townsend, Wash., has sailed for 41 years and has been on the USNS Lorenzen for the past three. When asked how he feels about having an all-female watch-standing team, he said: "I have Watch Officers I know I can depend on at all times."
All-female Bridge Watch Officer staff on USNS Lorenzen marks a first for ship's mission program
Members of the Bridge Watch Officer staff sailing aboard the USNS Lorenzen in February, here with Captain Robert Wiechert, were Third Mate Hannah Jette, Third Mate Michelle Danhof and Second Mate Ashley Markey.
The following article was submitted by members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen. AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the ship, which is operated for Military Sealift Command by Crowley Liner Services.The USNS Howard O. Lorenzen recently had an all-female Bridge Watch Officer staff. This is a first in this program - all of the officers of the watch being female. Not only is this a proud moment for women in history, but for the maritime industry as well.
The Bridge Watch Officers:
Third Mate Hannah Jette, age 26, from Sturbridge, Mass. Her total time sailing is three years, with one year dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in International Maritime Business and Marine Transportation in 2016. While attending high school, she was told that a woman wouldn't be able to survive a career at sea. Hearing that gave her the fuel she needed to pursue her goals and successfully prove them wrong. Special thanks to Captain Chris Volkle and Captain Joseph Murphy, who were able to help her exceed in her career.
Second Mate Ashley Markey, age 27, from Charlotte, N.C. Her total time sailing is five years, with two of those dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. in 2014 with a degree in Marine Operations and Technology. She also serves in the United States Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant. Her initial career choice was to join the United States Coast Guard, but once she discovered the many career opportunities that Kings Point offered, she knew that she was destined to be a maritime officer.
Third Mate Michelle Danhof, age 27, from San Antonio, Texas. Her total time sailing is three years, with two of those dedicated to the USNS Lorenzen. She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. in 2016 with a degree in International Logistics and Transportation. She also serves in the United States Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant JG. While looking for a unique career choice, a family friend who went to Kings Point encouraged her to take a tour of the campus. The endless travel opportunities as well as the chance to excel in a professional trade lured her into attending Kings Point and sailing in the maritime industry.
The USNS Lorenzen's Captain, Robert Wiechert, age 59, from Port Townsend, Wash., has sailed for 41 years and has been on the USNS Lorenzen for the past three. When asked how he feels about having an all-female watch-standing team, he said: "I have Watch Officers I know I can depend on at all times."