USS Tortuga Chaplain Marks Full-Circle Qualification Milestone
NORFOLK, Va. — More than 30 years after earning his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification aboard USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Lt. Cmdr. Duane E. Hardy returned to the same ship to complete another surface qualification milestone, this time as the ship’s command chaplain.
Hardy recently earned his Surface Chaplain Officer qualification aboard Tortuga after completing the required qualification process. Cmdr. David S. Pagan, Tortuga’s commanding officer, presented Hardy with his qualification certificate.
The milestone connects two distinct chapters of Hardy’s Navy career.
Hardy previously served aboard Tortuga as an enlisted Sailor, then-Personnelman 3rd Class Duane Hardy, where he earned his ESWS qualification. More than three decades later, he returned to the ship as a commissioned officer and command chaplain.
The Surface Chaplain Officer qualification recognizes a Navy chaplain’s professional knowledge of the surface operational environment and the integration of religious ministry into maritime operations.
As Tortuga’s command chaplain, Hardy provides religious ministry, confidential pastoral care and command advisement while supporting the spiritual readiness of the ship’s crew.
His previous experience as an ESWS-qualified enlisted Sailor provides a distinctive foundation for his current responsibilities and an understanding of the Sailors, leaders and mission of the surface force.
Completing both qualifications aboard Tortuga brings Hardy’s experience aboard the ship full circle, connecting his enlisted service with his current role as a Chaplain Corps officer.
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