Hundreds of friends and shipmates gathered together to honor the life and military service of a USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) crew member, May 2.
Master Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Mark A. Dinyar, who had been a member of the Mobile Bay crew since September 2007, died unexpectedly April 19 just six months short of a 30-year naval career.
“He was the epitome of what a leader should be,” said Chief Fire Controlman John Trowbridge. “Master Chief was always willing to drop everything to help someone in need regardless of their rank. He was what every Sailor should inspire and strive to become.”
Trowbridge, who said he had known Dinyar since 2010, gave words of remembrance at the memorial service where hundreds of friends, family and fellow service members paid their final respects.
“He loved his job and he never wanted any recognition for what he did,” said Trowbridge. “He simply enjoyed teaching, just striving to ensure that no matter what command he was at the Sailors succeeded.”
Friends said although Dinyar didn’t actively seek out praise or acknowledgments for his work, he was a highly decorated Sailor.
His personal awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, five U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, nine U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medals and various campaign medals and unit awards.
Those who had worked for Dinyar described him as a great leader.
“He taught me everything, without actually teaching me anything,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Eric Newsome, who had been stationed aboard Mobile Bay with Dinyar since 2008. “Master Chief would never give me a direct answer, but he would give me all the tools to go and find the answer myself. He was a role model, father figure and he simply defined what a Sailor should be,” said Newsome.
Dinyar is survived by his wife of 26 years, a daughter, and a son.
[mappress] Press Release, May 7, 2014; Image: Wikimedia