Retired Naval Officer still keeps fleet powered up
During his military career, Art Dominguez powered ships in our U.S. Naval fleet. Today, he’s using skills acquired as a service member to operate CPS Energy’s power generation fleet.
Veterans Day is just a few weeks away. We’re honoring the more than 330 Veterans at our company, and today, we spotlight Art.
A native of Arvin, California, Art enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after earning his high school diploma. Many of his years as a sailor were spent at the San Diego Naval Station, about 240 miles from his hometown. He served in the Engineering Department’s Propulsion and Power Generating division, aboard warships like destroyers, cruisers and frigates.
Art immersed himself in learning to operate, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical equipment on the massive vessels that generally stretched more than 150 feet long and weighed more than 9,000 tons. He became familiar with gas turbine engines, steam and power distribution systems, and other types of plant equipment.
“We had the critical job of creating power that could propel the huge ships across the seas,” he said.
Art’s energy and willingness to learn propelled him to a successful career in the Navy, achieving a personal goal of being promoted to Chief Petty Officer.
He earned the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer before retiring from the Navy in 2004, with 22 years of service. At the time of his retirement, Art was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with his wife Alma and sons Adam and Aaron.
The Dominguez family eventually bid “aloha” to life on the island and made the bold move to Texas.
“It was a leap of faith. We didn’t have any family or friends in San Antonio, and I wasn’t sure what I would be doing when I arrived,” he said.
With his skillsets, the Navy Veteran quickly found work in the Plant Engineering and Maintenance department at University Health System where he was employed for about 10 years.
In 2014, Art joined CPS Energy in the Power Generation department as an Auxiliary Operator. Through the years, he progressed to Control Room Operator. In his role, Art helps ensure the company’s generating units are performing efficiently and reliably to meet the electric needs of the greater San Antonio community and Texas’ power grid.
Art is proud of his career at both our public utility and national defense. He has two sons following his legacy of service: Adam is enlisted in the U.S. Navy and Aaron completed a 6-year tour in the U.S. Air Force.
We thank Art, his sons, and all Veterans for their dedication and unwavering service to our country. We salute you!
