05/01/2026
PORT HUENEME, Calif. (April 17, 2026) – FIRST NCR (1NCR)
Commodore Captain Steven Sherman awards Chief Builder (SCW/EXW) Danny Nguyen with the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Apr. 17.
Reflecting on his experience in the U.S. Navy, Nguyen expressed that he had a desire to serve in the military since a young age and enlisted in 2011. Originally, Nguyen had wanted to serve as a Master-at-Arms (MA) but landed on the Builder (BU) rate. Nguyen’s extensive career with the Navy has given him opportunities to serve in Spain, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Italy before he arriving at FIRST NCR in 2023.
Nguyen emphasized the importance of family, citing that family is a major part of succeeding in the U.S. Navy. Specifically, Nguyen expressed that sailors should ensure their families have the necessary resources and support that they need during active-duty service. And that a sailor should serve both the U.S. Navy and as a role model to their families.
“Stay positive. Be around the people who help you grow”, said Nguyen when asked what advice he had for junior sailors looking to grow and succeed in their careers.
Having served with FIRST NCR for the last three years, BUC Nguyen re-enlisted on April 16, 2026, and will transfer to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB-1) for his next command.