A native of Sandwich, Illinois, Commander Dente graduated from The United States Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. CDR Dente reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for NFO flight training in June 2007. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in Dec 2008. In January 2009, CDR Dente reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer. 
 
CDR Dente began his operational flying in April 2010 with the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136 at NAF Atsugi, Japan.  While a “Gauntlet”, he made four patrols aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).  In February of 2012 the Gauntlets executed a home port change from NAF Atsugi, Japan back to NAS Whidbey Island to begin transition to the EA-18G Growler.  In June of 2013 CDR Dente was selected for the NFO to Pilot transition and reported to NAS Corpus Christi in September 2013 for primary flight training.  In July 2015 CDR Dente earned his pilot wings of gold and again reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for pilot training in the EA-18G.
 
CDR Dente returned to the fleet now a senior LT, once again joining the VAQ-136 Gauntlets.  While with the Gauntlets, he completed two deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in support of routine operations in the Western Pacific.  In May of 2018 CDR Dente screened for VAQ operational Department Head and reported to the “Black Ravens” of VAQ 135 in November of 2018.
 
During his department head tour, CDR Dente served as Safety Officer, Admin Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.  While with the Black Ravens he completed deployments to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel and Misawa Air Base, Japan.  In 2020 he was selected for the Association of Old Crow’s Military Service Award. 
 
In July of 2021 CDR Dente reported to the Electronic Attack Weapons School as the Director of Aircrew Training.  He selected for squadron command in March 2021 and reported to the VAQ-133 “Wizards” as Executive Officer in May 2023.
 
CDR Dente has accumulated over 2,100 flight hours in 6 aircraft, including 424 carrier arrested landings and 21 combat missions. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 Awards), and various service awards and ribbons.