SAN DIEGO – A Toms River native who learned teamwork through local emergency service organizations now helps prepare Navy ships for deployments overseas.
Lt. Stephen Sabo, a surface warfare officer, serves with Commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest in San Diego. The command oversees maintenance and training readiness for surface ships based there.
Sabo graduated from Toms River High School East in 2017 and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Rutgers University in 2022. He joined the Navy four years ago, following an interest in maritime service that began while growing up along the Jersey Shore.
Boating on Barnegat Bay introduced him to navigation, weather conditions and vessel handling. His experiences with the Toms River Fire Department and Silverton First Aid taught him to remain composed during emergencies and work alongside others.
Sabo said those early responsibilities continue to influence his approach to military service.
Visits to the Intrepid Museum in New York City and Battleship New Jersey in Camden helped spark his interest in the Navy. Family trips to air shows at McGuire and Atlantic City strengthened his desire to serve.
Established Dec. 14, 2023, Naval Surface Group Southwest helps coordinate the work needed to keep San Diego-based surface ships prepared for fleet operations.
Capt. Russell Caldwell, the command’s commanding officer, said sailors’ expertise and dedication are central to ensuring ships can respond when needed.
Among Sabo’s most meaningful accomplishments was completing the Navy’s Surface Rescue Swimmer School. The demanding four-week program included daily swimming and physical conditioning, with fewer than half of his classmates reaching graduation, he said.
Sabo said finishing the course required him to exceed what he believed were his physical and mental limits.
His Navy career has also brought opportunities to travel, build friendships and lead fellow sailors.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than having the opportunity to lead the nation’s best,” Sabo said.
He credited his parents, Corinne and Steve Sabo, for supporting his career and thanked the East Dover Fire Company for helping shape his character.
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