By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2014 Etiwanda High School graduate and Fontana, California
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS
Bataan (LHD 5).
Airman Franciz Maria Hernandezmazon
is serving aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy seaman is responsible for
maintaining the aircraft and keeping the ship clean.
“I like the fact that there
is so much diversity in what I do,” said Hernandezmazon.
“I am able to see how the whole ship works
instead of staying in one area.”
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 love to work with aircraft
here,” said Hernandezmazon. “Everything is hands-on.”
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, Hernandezmazon and other Bataan
sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“I have learned to be
stronger and more mature since joining the Navy,” said Hernandezmazon. “I've always known that things don't come easy but now I know that hard
work does not go unnoticed.”