Fernando Casanova

United States Navy, NTAG Miami

• Identified, evaluated, and screened high-potential candidates for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Naval Special Operations (NSO) programs through targeted scouting, interviews, and performance assessments.
• Conducted comprehensive candidate evaluations, including physical readiness, mental resilience, leadership potential, and suitability for high-stress operational environments.
• Provided mentorship and preparatory guidance to candidates, improving readiness for selection pipelines and attrition-intensive training programs.
• Coordinated with recruiters, command leadership, and NSW/NSO program managers to align candidate selection with mission requirements and force-generation needs.
• Delivered briefings, outreach presentations, and one-on-one counseling to educate candidates on program expectations, career pathways, and performance standards.
• Maintained detailed candidate records, screening data, and compliance documentation in accordance with Navy policies and security requirements.
• Exercised sound judgment and discretion in high-stakes selection decisions impacting operational readiness and long-term force effectiveness.
• Assessed and screened candidates for elite special operations pipelines, directly contributing to improved candidate quality and training preparedness.
• Served as a trusted advisor to leadership on candidate suitability, risk factors, and developmental potential.

United States Navy, USS Farragut (DDG99)

• Operated, maintained, and repaired shipboard mechanical and auxiliary systems critical to propulsion, power generation, and overall ship readiness.
• Served as Work Center Supervisor, leading and supervising personnel in daily maintenance, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance in accordance with Navy standards and safety regulations.
• Selected as a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Team Member, supporting maritime interdiction operations through tactical boarding, ship security, and force protection missions.
• Serve as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Team Member, responding to maritime and shipboard emergencies by conducting recovery operations, and life-saving procedures in high-risk environments.
• Appointed Command Fitness Leader, promoting physical readiness, conducting fitness training, and ensuring compliance with Navy physical fitness standards.
• Served as Safety Petty Officer, enforcing operational safety procedures, conducting safety briefs and inspections, and reducing workplace hazards in high-risk engineering environments.
• Functioned as Training Petty Officer, planning, coordinating, and documenting technical and professional training to ensure crew qualification, readiness, and compliance with command requirements.
• Maintained detailed maintenance logs, training records, and safety documentation while ensuring compliance with Navy instructions and inspection requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, and decision-making in fast-paced, high-stress operational environments, directly contributing to mission success and crew welfare.