ENGINEERING OFFICERS

Chief Marine Engineer - Kevin Sorbello

Been on Hi'ialakai since October, 2007.

Chief Engineer Sorbello received his B.S. in Marine Engineering from the California Maritime Academy and his M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Prior to joining NOAA, he worked for the Military Sealift Command, holding a Chief Engineer Unlimited license since 1984. Besides six years as a Supervisor of Port Engineers, he’s sailed aboard the MSC ships Navasota, Taluga, Hassayampa, Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune, Observation Island and Zeus, and as Chief Engineer on the Navajo, Mizar, Assurance, Assertive, Indomitable (now the NOAA Ship McArthur II, Kilauea, Mercy, Niagara Falls, and Bridge. Since joining NOAA in May of 2007, he’s sailed aboard the NOAA ships Fairweather, and Oscar Dyson.

Chief Sorbello is a recipient of the James D. Forrestal Award for Excellence in Strategy and Force Planning and the Navy League’s Arthur L. Johnson Award for Inspirational Leadership, and was honorably discharged as a Lt Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

When not sailing, Chief Sorbello enjoys music, art, poetry, sailing, motorcycling and camping. His wife of 29 years, Herminia, sails as a Yeoman Storekeeper with MSC.

1st Assistant Engineer - Jesse Duncan

Been on Hi'ialakai since July 2004.

First Engineer Duncan, a native of Seattle, WA, began his sea going career in 1995 with Holland America. Jesse joined NOAA after graduation from Seattle Maritime Academy in 1999, sailing aboard the NOAA Ships McArthur, McArthur II, David Starr Jordan, Ronald H. Brown, Oscar Elton Sette, Miller Freeman, Whiting, Ka’imimoana, Townsend Cromwell, Fairweather and other than a short sabbatical from NOAA where he sailed aboard 21 Washington State ferries, has been sailing First Asst Engineer aboard the Hi’ialakai.

Jesse holds a license as Chief Engineer (Limited Oceans) of Motor or Gas Turbine Vessels of any horsepower and a Second Assistant Engineer’s license of Motor or Gas Turbine Vessels of any horsepower.

When not sailing, Jesse enjoys surfing, mountaineering and brewing beer, and is married to NOAA Corps Officer LTJG Sarah Duncan, currently stationed in Honolulu, HI.

3rd Assistant Engineer - Jeffery Robb

Been on Hi'ialakai April 2008.

Third Engineer Robb began his sea going career with MSC in 2001.When not sailing he enjoys music and foreign travel.