By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2011 East Henderson High School graduate and Hendersonville, North Carolina native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Airman Spencer Johnson is an aviation support equipment
technician aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy aviation support equipment technician is responsible
for recognizing, analyzing and troubleshooting equipment that supports flight
operations.
“I like that my job is very hands on,” said Johnson. “I get
dirty and feel a great sense of accomplishment.”
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 like that this ship can handle a lot,” said Johnson. “It
has a lot of capabilities which are really impressive.”
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, Johnson 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 great deal of
responsibility and how to push myself,” added Johnson. “I am able to do a lot
more than I thought.”