By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2011 Saint Edward High School graduate
and Cleveland native is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Seaman Nicholas Mone is a
boatswain's mate aboard the Arleigh
Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy boatswain's mate is responsible for the safe
navigation of the ship.
“I like the people I work with because we are a close
knit group,” said Mone. “Even though we come from different areas of life, we
are able to come together and get the job done.”
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.
“When we did a deployment together, we all came
together as a team and seeing that hard work has been one of the best parts of
serving on this ship,” said Mone.
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.
“Serving means that I get to protect our country and
ensure that people are safe at home and across the world,” added Mone.