Dawson Podlena
Kailua
Summary
Dynamic Submarine Officer with experience in coordinating operations and training personnel. Proven track record in implementing risk management strategies and optimizing workflows to ensure operational readiness and efficiency. Results-driven Tactical Instructor with strengths in risk management, decision making, and operational analysis. Proven ability to enhance team performance through hands-on simulations and effective communication.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Tactics Instructor
Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific
Pearl Harbor
01.2026 - Current
- Conducts hands-on simulations to improve team decision-making under pressure.
- Facilitates classroom instruction on naval tactics and strategic planning to prepare trainees for real-world scenarios.
- Monitors individual progress of trainees during training scenarios to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Submarine Officer
SSBN 730 Henry M. Jackson
Bangor
02.2023 - 12.2025
- Implemented risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential threats.
- Coordinated daily operations for submarine maintenance, ensuring optimal readiness.
- Trained new personnel on safety protocols and procedures to enhance operational compliance.
- Implemented efficient workflows to optimize task completion times.
Sailing Instructor
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Instructed midshipmen in sailing techniques and safety protocols on watercraft.
- Demonstrated knot-tying and navigation skills during on-water sessions.
- Evaluated midshipmen performance and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
Education
Certificate - Nuclear Engineering Training
U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School And Prototype
Charleston, SC11-2022
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics With Economics
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD05-2021
Skills
- Tactical planning
- Continuous improvement
- Problem solving
- Risk management
- Operational planning
- Decision making
- Team coordination
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Received an above-average score on the Operational Reactor Safeguard Exam while acting as the Assistant Engineer on the Henry M. Jackson in 2025.
- Nominated for Squadron Seventeen's Junior Officer of the Year in FY25.
Timeline
Tactics Instructor
Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific
01.2026 - Current
Submarine Officer
SSBN 730 Henry M. Jackson
02.2023 - 12.2025
Sailing Instructor
United States Naval Academy
05.2021 - 11.2021
Certificate - Nuclear Engineering Training
U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School And Prototype
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics With Economics
United States Naval Academy