While a U.S. Navy spokeswoman was tight-lipped about which vessels above, on and under the sea could be mobilized in the country’s war on terrorism, one thing is fairly certain. Even with his war machine in drydock, Kalaheo native Lt.
While a U.S. Navy spokeswoman was tight-lipped about which vessels above, on and under the sea could be mobilized in the country’s war on terrorism, one thing is fairly certain. Even with his war machine in drydock, Kalaheo native Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Kawane is ready for battle.
Already having served aboard ballistic missile submarines and fast-attack submarines, Kawane is executive officer aboard the USS City of Corpus Christi, a nuclear-powered attack sub equipped with missiles and torpedoes.
He’ll not see sea duty during wartime aboard the Corpus Christi, though, unless the war lasts another year or so. In March last year, the vessel began a 22-month refueling overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire. After overhaul, the submarine will be the first one to call Agana, Guam its home port, effective April 1, 2002.
The lengthy overhaul period likely means Kawane, 34, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in computer science, would likely be assigned to another submarine or vessel if his 142-person crew is deployed, according to his father, former Waimea High School principal Wally Kawane, who now lives in Billings, Mont.
The younger Kawane, who is expected to be promoted to commander next year, has completed nuclear-power and officer training. He was once assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Neb., where President Bush flew aboard Air Force One following the terrorist attacks earlier this month.
At Omaha, there is an underground bunker built to withstand a nuclear strike, said the elder Kawane, who has toured the facility.
The younger Kawane became executive officer aboard the Corpus Christi in March this year. He holds degree in administration from Central Michigan University and in leadership and human resources development from the Naval Postgraduate School.
His service awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, and the Navy Achievement Medal with gold star.
He and his wife, Michelle, have one son.
Staff Writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224).
