By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2010 Abraham Lincoln High School graduate
and Council
Bluffs, Iowa native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Seaman Joshua Coonce is an undesignated deck seaman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class
guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy deck seaman is responsible for corrosion control,
getting the ship underway, and refueling.
“Right now I'm training with a canine unit for my next
job as a master at arms, which is like a police officer,” said Coonce.
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.
“The camaradarie is what I like best about serving aboard this ship,” said Coonce. “I also enjoy
visiting different ports around the world. Southeast Asia was my favorite.”
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
in the Navy means something that's bigger than
yourself,” added Coonce.