Veterans Chart a New Course with Disney Cruise Line

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At Disney Cruise Line, cast and crew members from all branches of the armed forces leverage their backgrounds to create magic both on land and at sea. From precise logistics to high-stakes leadership, military veterans bring a unique depth of experience to their civilian careers.

In honor of their service, let’s look at how four veterans are charting new courses with Disney.

Jason: From Flight Decks to Digital Systems

Travel Operations and Business Systems Management • U.S. Navy

Ever since watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as a child, Jason knew he wanted to fly. He chased that dream straight to the United States Naval Academy, eventually serving on an aircraft carrier out on the open ocean.

Years later, looking to give his children stable roots, Disney Cruise Line felt like the perfect place to land. Today, he channels his naval leadership skills into managing complex travel operations and business systems.

“From day one, the military really is a leadership laboratory,” Jason says. “Regardless of your rank or how many years you’ve had in service, you are either learning from others watching how they lead, or you are put in a position of leadership and navigate as you go.”

_{Jason Ketelsen with his family}

Though a cruise ship and a naval aircraft carrier serve entirely different purposes, the transition allowed Jason to keep his deep connection to the sea. A major highlight of his Disney career was participating in the launch of the Disney Wish. Being back at port and seeing a new ship enter the fleet brought his journey full circle.

“While the ships were different, being able to stand on the deck and see the water go by—sunset, sunrise, the stars at night… it is a different perspective of the world that not a lot of people get to see,” he reflects. “I grew up in a place with not much light pollution, and the stars were amazing, but it never compared to being out at sea.”

When he isn’t managing Disney Cruise Line’s business systems, Jason and his family of self-proclaimed foodies can be found sampling the latest menus at EPCOT festivals or booking their next family cruise.

Sara: Operating the Fleet with Military Precision

Marine Safety and Quality Assurance • U.S. Coast Guard

Transitioning from active-duty military service into the civilian workforce can feel like navigating uncharted waters. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Sara knows this journey firsthand. Today, she uses her experience as a U.S. Coast Guard Officer to keep the Disney Cruise Line fleet operating at the highest standards.

In the Coast Guard, the mission is centered on readiness and protecting lives at sea. Sara has seamlessly translated that goal into her role supporting Disney Cruise Line’s Marine Safety and Compliance team, helping strengthen safety programs, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness across the fleet. The culture developed during her military service continues to shape her approach to protecting guests, crew members, and vessels every day.

“I am incredibly proud and grateful to be part of a company that actively champions veterans in the workforce,” Sara shares.

Sara is also a passionate advocate for incoming military talent to Disney. She proudly supports programs like Disney’s Military Fellowship Program and the Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge program, which allow active-duty service members to gain hands-on industry training during their last 180 days of service.

Harold: Drawing the Map for Global Adventures

Disney Cruise Line Deployment Strategy Planning • U.S. Marine Corps

Wanting to experience adventure and a sense of purpose after high school, Harold joined the U.S. Marine Corps, specializing in logistics on an adventure that took him across Virginia, Japan, Korea, Australia and Thailand.

After his service, Harold realized the cruise industry allowed him to combine his analytical mindset with the logistical mastery he developed as a Marine. In the military, Harold managed the massive puzzle of moving military units from country to country. Today, he maps out the deployment strategy for Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet — deciding whether a ship should spend summers in Alaska or winters in the Caribbean.

He joined Disney during an era of growth, just as the Disney Dream was delivered and the Disney Fantasy was being built. Moving from a two-ship fleet to four required a massive scale-up in deployment strategy.

“It’s a similar thought process if you compare a ship to a unit,” Harold points out. “It teaches you to deal with changes and challenges while staying the course. How to collaborate with others for a common goal. More than anything, it teaches you about teamwork.”

For Harold, the ultimate reward is knowing he plays a part in crafting lifelong memories for guests. His own children grew up sailing on Disney ships, and when they are shoreside, Harold and his family can typically be found doing something outdoors.

Will: Championing the Crew Behind the Magic

Human Resources Manager • U.S. Navy

For Will, serving others has always been a core mission. Before joining the Disney Cruise Line team, he spent years in the U.S. Navy, learning firsthand what it takes to support a crew under pressure. Today, he applies those exact principles of camaraderie to his role as a Human Resources Manager for Disney Cruise Line.

While the uniform looks different, the mission of looking after the people who keep the ship running remains exactly the same.

“Supporting our crew is at the heart of what I do,” Will shares. “When our shipboard teams feel supported, valued, and cared for, that positive energy naturally translates into the unforgettable experiences they create for our guests.”

What surprised Will the most about his transition to Disney was how much the onboard culture mirrored the tight-knit community of a military vessel. He has successfully traded naval operations for the operations of happiness, proving that a dedication to serving others is a skillset that translates easily to the high seas.

Beginning with our founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, and their service to the country during the First World War, the Walt Disney Company has long admired U.S. military service. Throughout our 100-year history the Walt Disney Company has been honored to continually recognize military service and veterans.

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