By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2012 Walla Walla High School graduate and Walla Walla, Washington native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard
the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Heiser is an information
systems technician aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out
of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy information systems technician is responsible for radio
communications aboard the ship
“I like that I am not only attached to the ship with the
skills I’ve learned here,” said Heiser. “I can do this job in the civilian
world.”
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 enjoy the camaraderie of my shipmates,” said Heiser. “I
have built a family here.”
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, Heiser and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that
will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I have grown mentally, physically and emotionally since
joining the Navy,” said Heiser. “I can think straight in stressful
situations and I’m also more in control
of my emotions.”