Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific Staff Member Selected for STA-21

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- An instructor at Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class (SS) Richard Dobias, has been chosen for the 2006 Seaman to Admiral (STA) 21 Program.

Dobias had previously applied and is glad he didn’t give up when, at first, he didn't succeed.

“Last year I was selected as an alternate for the Nurse Corps. I was honored to get selected, but also disappointed that I hadn’t made it. I spent a lot of time making the entire package more competitive. When I found out this year that I had made it, I was speechless.”

His supervisor, Senior Chief Sonar Technincian (SS) Randall Powell, was delighted at Dobias' selection.

“[Sonar Technician 1st Class] Dobias has been, and remains, a key player in this command and Sonar Division at [Naval Submarine Training Center, Pacific]; his selection for the STA-21 program is well deserved. He’s looking forward to the challenges and hopes to be commissioned as an officer overseeing the area in which he now serves, computer networking and internet security. I will be proud to salute him as he grows into his new role.”

According to Dobias, long-term goals spurred him to apply again for the program.

“My personal drive does not just look at what I can do to be better today and tomorrow, but also down the road. The STA-21 program allows me not only to grow professionally and personally, but also to have a greater opportunity to help a wider range of people as I move up the chain,” concluded Dobias.

The STA-21 program is designed to meet the goals of the Navy in the 21st century, while also creating a fair and equitable system for outstanding active-duty Sailors to receive a college education and become commissioned officers in the unrestricted line, special duty officer (intelligence), special duty officer (cryptology), Nurse Corps, Supply Corps, or Civil Engineer Corps.

Sailors receive up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, books, and fees.

Those selected to participate remain on active duty at their current pay grade and receive all pay, allowances, benefits, and privileges they currently enjoy while still remaining eligible for enlisted advancement while in the program.

For related news, visit the Submarine Learning Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/slc/.