Academy Graduate Success Stories
Danielle Byrne, Third Assistant Engineer
Danielle Byrne admits freely that she didn’t know exactly what she was getting into when she enrolled in Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2002.
“My dad was shocked,” she said. “It certainly wasn’t the school my parents or I thought I would be attending.”
But she doesn’t regret her decision for a moment. Now a third assistant engineer aboard USNS Alan B. Shepard, she said the experience changed her life for the better – and continues to shape who she is today.
“It instilled in me the desire to be stronger, smarter and to go after the things in life that I wanted,” Byrne said.
She explained that what separates academy life from the standard college experience is the structure and regiment. “My other friends would talk about having fun every night at other colleges, and I was thinking about the next day, about how I needed to iron my shirt or polish my shoes.”
Taken by themselves, ironing and polishing might seem small, but Byrne said the experience taught her an important lesson about responsibility – a lesson that’s still paying dividends today. After two deployments, her disciplined approach has earned her a second assistant engineer’s license and she is on the lookout for promotion opportunities.
It’s just the next step in a series of goals that have driven her career forward. “In school, I wanted to pass my license exam and become a third engineer,” Byrne said. “I achieved that, and now want to sail on my second engineer’s license, then maybe first engineer. I believe I have attainable goals.”
As third assistant engineer, she’s responsible for monitoring the safe and efficient operation of the ship’s machinery, equipment and spaces. USNS Alan B. Shepard is a diesel electric 6.6kV propulsion class vessel, so her work requires very specialized, very technical knowledge, which Byrne soaks up like a sponge.
USNS Alan B. Shepard is one of MSC’s newest platforms and is among the most technically advanced ships sailing today. This gives Byrne a clear edge over her counterparts pursuing careers with other maritime companies – and her advanced knowledge positions her for further advancement within MSC, too.
“I love fixing things and learning. When I have a chance to be involved in the troubleshooting and repair process of a piece of equipment, it’s gratifying, especially when it’s fixed,” she said.
Byrne credits her roommate at the academy, Lauren Temple, for educating her as to the advantages of having a career with MSC.
Temple, who is now an engineer aboard USNS Lewis and Clark, cadet shipped with MSC, and saw first-hand the real opportunities to learn, grow and advance. Temple’s stories piqued Byrne’s interest. She applied and was hired in 2006.
Together, Byrne and Temple represent a small but growing minority among MSC’s civil service mariners: female engineers. It’s not easy, Byrne said, and it’s not for everyone. “But just because I’m in the minority doesn’t mean I can’t excel to the fullest. All I can do is work hard and stay level,” she said.
She said the challenge is actually part of the allure of life at sea. “Getting where you want to go wouldn’t be worth it if it were easy. The struggle adds character and depth,” she said, “and makes me a stronger person.”
Byrne said that although she realized early on that a maritime career was for her, her family (particularly her dad) was slower to come around. “My dad really didn’t understand what I was talking about when I explained my job,” she said.
But often, she said, what seems to pull people apart can push them together. USNS Alan B. Shepard’s master, Captain Michael Leahy, organized a “tiger cruise” which allowed family and/or friends of the ship’s crew to ride from Hawaii to Washington State.
“It was great to show my dad all the equipment I watch over and what my life is like on board. We had some great times together, and I am grateful because now we’re closer than ever before.”