TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

LOVE OF LEARNING - LOVE - HUMOR

LT Daniel Wade, USN, began his naval career in 1999 as an enlisted Nuclear Electronic Technician. Notably early in his career, and demonstrating his strength of character, he was decorated for responding to a shipboard fire aboard his submarine, and within 10 short years, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He worked full-time as an instructor at Nuclear Power Training Command, New York, while simultaneously earning a Nuclear Engineer and Engineering Physics degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Later that year, he earned his commission as a surface warfare officer and began the process to become an engineering duty officer (EDO). At the time of his death, Daniel was deployed aboard USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109), having served meritoriously and honorably for 16 years, and was selected to attend Naval Postgraduate School.

Daniel was an avid bowler, an exceptional billiards player, a great gamer, but most of all a loving husband and father. He loved sharing his love of math and science with his children, and challenging them to games or watching them play soccer. He had a passion for family, love of learning, and was an inspiration to his friends and shipmates, constantly motivating them to be their best.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Yasin, and their three sons: Daniel, Jaden, and Micah.

Character Strength Story:

"Daniel and I served together aboard USS VELLA GULF (CG 72), homeported in Norfolk, VA, in 2011; he was the engineering auxiliaries officer while I was the communications officer. I recall Daniel's sense of humor in the wardroom, always had a smile on his face, offering words of encouragement to his sailors and fellow officers. He talked often about his family and how proud he was of his boys. He certainly demonstrated his love of learning new things in the naval profession, a deep passion and love for his family, and a sense of humor that lifted spirits even on the hardest days."
-Submitted by Daniel's shipmate, Lt. Cmdr. Travis Howard