By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2010 Downers Grove North High School graduate
and Downers Grove, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Crue is an intelligence
specialist aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy intelligence specialist is responsible for ensuring
that senior leaders are aware of the situation by gaining intelligence
from the enemy.
“My job allows for endless research which allows me to get better at interacting with others,” said Crue.
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 enjoy esprit de corps aboard this ship, the morale is
high and the people are great,” said Crue.
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, Crue 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 a lot about what it
means to feel a certain role in a community,” said Crue. “I enjoy being a part
of something bigger than myself and understand that everyone has a role.”