By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2010 West Aurora High School graduate
and Aurora, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Valadez is an operations specialist
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for tracking
other ships and planes to make sure there are no other ships in the way and no
enemies in the area surrounding the ship.
“I enjoy the thrill of when something's actually going
on, like when we see a ship from a foreign country,” said Valadez. “We're trying
to find out what’s really going on with other ships and aircraft in the area."
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.
“I really enjoying working with others who make the job
easier and make it enjoyable to come to work everyday,” said Valadez.
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.
“It’s
an honor serving our country trying to work
towards a better future for ourselves and our families,” added Valadez.