By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2010 Saint Mary's High School graduate and Annapolis, Maryland native is
serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Ensign Grace Olechowski is a surface warfare officer
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy surface warfare officer is responsible for the
management of sailors making sure that they get the critical tools they need to
support the communication program.
“Getting to interact with sailors everyday is what I
like most about my job,” said Olechowski. “I like the family feel we have on this ship.
Sailors make coming to work everyday worth it.”
Commissioned in November of 1996, Milius measures
approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the
destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. Destroyers are tactical
multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare,
anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian
assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide
the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any
tasking overseas.
“Leading Milius sailors is
exceptionally rewarding because they genuinely care for one another as people,”
said Cmdr. Gil Ayan, commanding officer of USS Milius. “They want to see one
another succeed and each of them works toward that collective goal. As a
commanding officer, you can’t ask for a better culture than that.”
With a crew of over 300 sailors, jobs
are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly,
according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes
and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“Our leaders care about our sailors," said Olechowski. "We'll drop
everything to make sure the sailors get the support they need."
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among
the crew, Navy officials explained. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly
adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches,
and drills.
“I first joined the Navy as a way to pay for college,
but as I've served in the Navy I realize that serving in the Navy means serving
others,” added Olechowski. “I'm so grateful for the Navy giving me perspective
of working with others. The Navy gives me confidence to lead.”