By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 1999 Pensacola High School graduate and
Pensacola, Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious
assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Fountain is an aviation
maintenance administrationman aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship
operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy aviation maintenance administrationman is responsible
for preparing aircraft and maintenance related correspondence.
“I enjoy seeing the parts and equipment that I order get put
to use on the aircraft,” said Fountain.
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 people that I work with and the squadrons that
come aboard,” said Fountain.
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, Fountain and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that
will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“The Navy has given me the opportunity to obtain a job skill
and a craft that is translatable to the civilian world in the aviation
administration field,” said Fountain.