Zachary Dess, a native of Wellington, supports the U.S. Navy at U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella and the U.S. Naval Hospital in Sigonella, Italy.
Dess is a 2012 Palm Beach Central High School graduate. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Pace University in 2020. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy and as a government civilian are similar to those found in Wellington.
“Playing high school football at Palm Beach Central helped me establish a strong work ethic,” Dess said. “My coaches drilled into me the importance of having a strong work ethic toward everything I wanted to accomplish. Growing up with three brothers also meant there was always competition, and this kept my work ethic strong as well. My parents’ support and push when times were tough contributed significantly to my success in the Navy.”
Dess joined the Navy in 2012 after graduating from high school.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and travel the world,” Dess said. “I served four years at Naval Air Station Sigonella as a master-at-arms and was honorably discharged in 2016.”
While stationed in Italy, Dess met his spouse, Gloria, who was born and raised in Catania, Sicily.
Today, Dess continues to serve his country as a federal civilian registered nurse at Naval Air Station Sigonella.
“My favorite part about being a registered nurse at Naval Air Station Sigonella is the tight-knit family feeling that Sigonella has,” Dess said. “Naval Air Station Sigonella was my first duty station when I was 18 years old and the first time I lived on my own. Being able to serve and care for the military community is what I love most about my job.”
Navy Hospital Sigonella is a community hospital located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, USNMRTC Sigonella’s staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries.
“Since joining our team in December 2024, Zachary Dess has consistently demonstrated exceptional nursing skills and a strong commitment to patient care,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kayla Hennen, department head of the Multi-Service Ward. “Zach is a highly valued member of our team. He is a dedicated and hardworking nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our patients.”
Hennen added that Dess is always willing to take on new challenges and is a quick learner.
“Beyond his clinical abilities, Zach is also a highly social and positive influence on the team. He fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, and his positive attitude is contagious,” Hennen said. “He interacts well with patients, families and colleagues, building strong relationships based on trust and respect. Dess’ prior experience as an enlisted member of the United States Navy has been an invaluable asset to our team, particularly in the training and mentorship of our corpsmen. He readily shares his knowledge and experience, providing practical guidance and support that has significantly enhanced their skills and confidence.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dess has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during civilian service.
“My proudest accomplishment while serving at Naval Air Station Sigonella was being able to return to my first duty station, where I now serve as a federal civilian registered nurse,” he said.
Dess takes pride in serving America through military and government service.
“Serving in the Navy as an active-duty member and a federal civilian member means everything to me,” he added. “I’m extremely proud to care for the military families that fight the good fight for our freedom each day. Serving the military community is an honor, and I look forward to the years ahead.”
