Lone Tree native Doug Langenberg's lifetime of U.S. Navy service lands him captaincy of own ship

When Lone Tree native Doug Langenberg reached the end of his high school career, he was faced with the question that many graduates struggle with — what comes next?

Rather than taking the traditional route of college to career, Langenberg chose a path that he said worked better for his goals and interests.

In 1988, Langenberg enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and later attended Iowa State University in the Navy ROTC program. Langenberg became a commissioned officer in 1997.

“Honestly, I just wasn't ready for college and I needed more time to determine what I really wanted to do. The Navy offered an education and the direction that I needed at the time,” Langenberg said in an email to the Press-Citizen.

“In hindsight, I believe it offered the opportunity to mature and focus on what I wanted to do long-term with my professional life.”

After years of experience and learning from the U.S. Navy, Langenberg became captain of the USS John P. Murtha, an amphibious transport dock ship, on July 29.

As an aviator, Langenberg said he has spent most of his career on a team that is part of an air wing on an aircraft carrier. After seeing how all aspects of the U.S. Navy operate in tandem, Langenberg noted how unique this leadership opportunity is for him.

“We have an all-volunteer force, and the young people that raise their hand and swear an oath to protect the Constitution will always have a special place in my heart,” Langenberg said. “I have the pleasure to work with a bunch of superheroes, and I pray we never lose sight of the fact that we need to continue to cultivate the next generation of people who will take this oath.”

Langenberg said he sees his Iowa roots come up in unexpected ways. Being a member of the U.S. Navy has allowed him to meet a variety of people from all walks of life. He said he believes unique backgrounds are able to give individuals unique strengths.

Langenberg noted this when a Navy chaplain performed at his wedding ceremony 20 years ago. Langenberg said that, after the event, the chaplain approached him and said that the Iowans he met were “salt of the earth” type of people.

“I see those words as a perfect fit. Iowans are wholesome, friendly and hard-working.  They represent people of good character and are friendly and inviting. I try to remind myself of these traits when I interact with the people I serve with,” he said.

Langenberg said the hardest part of his job are the long stretches of time he spends away from his family. He estimated that he sees his parents and brother's family once a year.

Langenberg was also sure to express gratitude to his family, calling them part of the reason he is able to continue serving in the Navy. Langenberg mentioned that his wife, who is originally from Waterloo, has spent most of the last 25 years away from her family as well.

Between his two children, Langenberg said he has had to miss many important milestones, which has been difficult for him to grapple with. Yet, rather than dwelling on what was missed, Langenberg said he looks to make the most out of the time he has with his loved ones.

“There is a long list of people I draw inspiration from. At the top of the list is my wife, son and daughter. They have sacrificed a great deal for my career as they moved from one duty station to the next, changing schools and making new friends,” he said. “Their strength and resiliency inspires me, and they are always there to lift me up when I'm worn down.”

Langenberg said the rewards and opportunities the Navy has offered him have been worth the lifetime of service. Due to the collaborative nature of working with a team, he has been able to learn about himself and others.

“The greatest reward has been seeing others succeed both as individuals as well as a team.” Langenberg said. “There is no greater reward than seeing the culmination of a team's efforts in successfully completing a tough mission.”

Langenberg has kept his goals simple. Having recently been named captain of the USS John P. Murtha, Langenberg is choosing to live in the present.

“I have always believed to take it a step at a time. I always feel like if I'm thinking too far ahead that I would lose focus on what is important now,” he said. “I don't yet know what the future holds, but for now I have plenty to focus on.”

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: On Lone Tree native Doug Langenberg's journey to U.S. Navy captain