By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2011 Jordan Prince Williams High School graduate and Coral Springs, Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Airman Leon Forbes is serving aboard the Wasp-class
amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
As a Navy seaman he is responsible for aviation equipment
maintenance and securing the aircraft to the ship.
“I like the adventure and excitement of being out to sea in
a new environment,” said Forbes. “I am around different cultures I would not
have been able to if I hadn’t joined the Navy.”
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. “Every day, 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 love that the ship is versatile,” said Forbes. “We carry
aircraft and numerous vehicles which allows me to experience people in different
branches of the military.”
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, Forbes and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that
will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“Since I've joined the Navy I have grown in discipline and
have become more conscientious,” said Forbes. “I have developed a sense of
obligation that goes beyond myself because I am serving something bigger than
me which makes me feel valuable.”