Around 265 AL, Santino held the rank of Lieutenant and served as Assistant Tactical Officer aboard the heavy cruiser HMS War Maiden. In his position as Officer Candidate Training Officer, he was responsible for the active duty education of Midshipwoman Honor Harrington. Unlike most other officers serving on War Maiden, Santino displayed a towering sense of superiority, and had a hectoring sneer. He behaved as though he had an issue with the presence of Harrington's treecat Nimitz, and at times reminded Harrington of Pavel Young.