By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2012 University High School graduate and
Roswell, New Mexico native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious
assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bianca Escobedo is an operations
specialist aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of
Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for reading
radars and maintaining charts for navigation purpose and safety of the ship.
“My job is exhilarating because I like to be the first to
know where we are going,” said Escobedo.
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 the ship is amazing because not a lot of
people can say they have driven a warship during a hurricane,” said Escobedo.
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,
Escobedo 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 how to become more
independent and develop leadership skills,” said Escobedo.