By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2013 T.C. Roberson High School graduate and
Asheville, North Carolina native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious
assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Airman Melanie Hess is serving aboard the Wasp-class
amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
As a Navy airman she is responsible for communicating from the
tower to the flight deck to ensure the manning is there to assist in landing
and launching aircraft.
“I enjoy that my job is fast paced. It keeps me busy and it
is fun,” said Hess. “I am really interested in helicopters and seeing them up
close is really cool.”
Commissioned in 1997, the Wasp-class amphibious assault
ship, USS Bataan, is 844 feet long. The ship is named in honor of the defense
of the Bataan Peninsula during World War II and is the second ship to bear the
name.
Bataan, one of the largest of all amphibious warfare ships,
resembles a small aircraft carrier. It is equipped with a mix of helicopters
and attack aircraft, launchers and machine guns and an extensive medical
facility with 600 hospital beds.
“I have the best job in the entire
world,” says Capt. J.C. Carter, commanding officer of the USS Bataan. “Everyday, I get to work the best young
Americans that our country has to offer!
They have endured long deployments and they have engaged the enemy successfully! It is an honor to serve alongside the next
greatest generation!”
Approximately 70 officers and 1000 enlisted men and women
make up the ship's company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each
part of the amphibious assault ship running smoothly. The jobs range from
washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling
weaponry.
“I like serving in the air department,” said Hess. “We all
have each other's back and are very close.”
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living
on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the
crew. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions.
It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon
assets, Hess and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that will
be last beyond their lifetimes.
“Since joining the Navy, I have learned to become more
patient,” said Hess. “I have also learned a lot more about aircraft since
joining.”