By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2004 Atascatero High School, California
graduate and Carson City, Nevada native is serving
in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ann Foster is a fire controlman
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for the
mainenance and operation of the close-in weapon system, the last
line of defense.
“I like the fact that my job is very labor intensive
and technical,” said Foster. “I like the hands-on part of my job.”
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.
“Honestly, it's the people that I like most about
serving aboard this ship,” said Foster. “We're
around each other just about every day, and we have a really good crew.”
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.
“The Navy has given me a different perspective on a lot of
things,” added Foster. “Not just serving our country, but how we project
ourselves abroad. Serving in the Navy gives me a good perspective of what we do
as a nation.”