By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2009 Canyon High School graduate and New
Braunfels, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious
assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dustin Ikels is an air traffic
controlman aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy air traffic controlman is responsible for ensuring
that the aircraft has enough separation between each other during flight
operations.
“Getting the pilots and their crew aboard the ship safely is a very rewarding part about my job,” said Ikels.
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.
“Serving aboard this ship is amazing because I get to work
with the finest men and women in the world,” said Ikels.
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,
Ikels and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last
beyond their lifetimes.
“The Navy has matured me,” said Ikels. “I have grown and
gained my personal family while gaining an extended family from all the
shipmates I have bonded with.”