By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2014 Canton High School graduate and Canton, Massachusetts
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS
Milius.
Janeya Wilcox is a hospital corpsman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy hospital corpsman is a medical provider
taking care of sailors aboard the ship.
“I like seeing all the people,” said Wilcox. “You
pretty much know everybody.”
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 like the people I serve with,” said Wilcom. “It's
positive vibes aboard the ship.”
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'm the first one in my family to serve in the Navy,
so this is a real honor,” added Wilcox.