By Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A 2014 Wyndmere Public School High School graduate and Wyndmere, North Dakota
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS
Bataan (LHD 5).
Seaman Elizabeth
Henderson is a yeoman
aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
A Navy yeoman
is responsible for administrative responsibilities for all the sailors aboard
the ship.
“I like
that I am able to talk to the captain,” said Henderson. “I also like that my job is
customer service-oriented.”
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
the people aboard the ship,” said Henderson. “Everyone is very nice. It makes the job much more enjoyable!”
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, Henderson
and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last
beyond their lifetimes.
“I have
definitely become more mature since joining the Navy,” said Henderson. “I also have picked up a lot more
responsibilities than I used to have.”