Local Sailor Honored by the US Navy

Electrician’s Mate First Class (EM1) Daniel Macomber, a Boston sailor, has helped 99 people begin their journey with the United States Navy while making contributions in support of his community and country.

For those efforts, Daniel was named one of the Navy’s 2012 Recruiters of the Year.

As Nuclear Field Coordinator, Daniel – who lives on Prince Street -- has revitalized the district’s Nuclear Field program by delivering nuclear power presentations to 25 different schools and more than 2,500 high school students. Coordinating a Mexican American Engineering Society Science Extravaganza at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he assisted over 350 elementary school students grow their interests in math and science.

Daniel, 28, received a year and a-half of Navy Nuclear Power training.

“I go out to the local high schools in the New England area and I give them a 90-minute presentation on how nuclear energy works,” he said. “I think it’s important that the students get information about technical fields such as nuclear power plants and have a chance to associate them with real-life applications.”

The Recruiter of the Year Award recognizes the most accomplished and successful recruiters across the country.

Daniel works for the Navy Recruiting District New England in South Boston and received the award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on January 8.

“I think it’s an honor and a privilege to give the applicants the same opportunity that I’ve been given in the Navy to succeed both personally and professionally,” he said.

As for what the Navy’s culture means to him, Daniel was precise.

“The Navy has three basic core values which are honor, courage and commitment.”

Originally from Guilford, Maine, Daniel attended Piscataquis Community High School where he worked at a local furniture store. He discussed his classes, including advanced chemistry with his boss Tony Davis who was a former Navy Fire Controlman. Tony suggested that Daniel look into the Navy’s Nuclear Field.  

Following his graduation in May 2003, Daniel joined the U.S. Navy in November of the same year.

For five years, he worked to maintain the safety and operational equipment of USS Nevada (SSBN 733), while home ported in Bangor, Wash., and abroad in Yokosuka, Japan. Working his way to the position of Electrical Division Leading Petty Officer, Daniel’s role on USS Nevada contributed to overall readiness during the submarine’s strategic deterrence patrol and other missions.

In August 2010, Daniel moved back here and joined the Navy Recruiting District to find young leaders for the Navy’s Global Force for Good.