Union Grove, Wisconsin Native Serves aboard USS Dewey (DDG 105) While Conducting Operations in the Philippine Sea

by Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Johnson

19 September 2023
PHILIPPINE SEA — A Union Grove, Wisconsin native and 2019 graduate of Union Grove High School is serving aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105).

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Cade Kevek joined the Navy in 2019 and is now forward-deployed aboard Dewey to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

“When I joined the Navy, I knew I didn’t really want to go to college right away, and I wanted to travel the world,” said Kevek. “Since then, I’ve been all over the country. I’ve been to Hawaii and Guam, and am looking forward to future port visits throughout Southeast Asia.”

As a gunner’s mate, Kevek is responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s vertical launching system, one of the ship’s primary defenses against incoming aerial threats.

“I chose gunner’s mate because I wanted to do something hands-on and wanted to really do something cool,” said Kevek. “Even though it’s a lot of hard work, it’s worth it, knowing I’m responsible for making sure the system works. Seeing a missile fire effectively is pretty cool and it makes you realize your hard work pays off.”

Although working with the missile system is his primary duty, Kevek has found other ways to impact the ship’s mission.

“I’m also a rescue swimmer, which is one of my favorite jobs to do in the Navy,” said Kevek. “I was a lifeguard before I joined and I really enjoy the opportunity to potentially save someone’s life if they were in need.”

Kevek said the most extraordinary thing about being in the Navy is the chance to meet different people from different walks of life.

“It’s about the comradery,” said Kevek. “You get to meet a lot of different people and make a lot of friends and get close. I would never have met these people without being in the Navy.”

Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.