By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2000 Mount Carmel High School graduate
and Chicago native is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 1st Class Demetrius Williams is a gas system
turbine systems technician (technical) aboard the Arleigh Burke-class
guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy gas system turbine systems technician is responsible for electrical engineer that are used on commercial
airlines.
“Being able to train junior electricians is the best
part of my job,” said Williams.
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 love the camaraderie on this ship,” said Williams. “The
diversity is great and we look out for one another. It’s the closest thing to being in a family
without your family here.”
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.
“For me, serving in the Navy is continuing a legacy of
armed service,” added Williams. “My family did it and now I have also. It’s a link in the chain of doing it. Now I have had the opportunity to see the
world up close.”