By Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2011 Matanzas High School (Palm Coast,
Fla.) graduate and Massapequa, New York native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS
Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ray Minami is a mass communication
specialist aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
A Navy mass communication specialist is responsible for
telling the Navy's story through several avenues of media
“I enjoy my job because I get to meet new people and build a
bond with them while I tell their story,” said Minami.
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 the tempo of the workload, I feel like, because of
the fast-paced work, it is making me stronger as a photojournalist,” said
Minami.
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, Minami 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 to multitask extremely well," added Minami. "I have also learned to handle responsibility with extreme ease."