By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2010 Santa Maria High School
graduate and Santa Maria, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Cindy Sotolino is an aviation
boatswain's mate (fuel) aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating
out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy aviation boatswain's mate is responsible for the
safety of the flight deck crew and ensuring the gas is distributed to aircraft
and other vehicles.
“I like the fact that I work with the aircraft,” said
Sotolino. “I also like the people that I work with. It is like a family here.”
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 the chain of command really does look out for
the crew,” said Sotolino. “All of the programs here show that they really want
to make sure we are taken care of.”
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, Sotolino and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that
will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I have become more financially responsible since joining the Navy,” added Sotolino.
“I like that I no longer rely on my family and have learned stress and time
management.”