By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2008 Homeschool High School graduate
and Daytona
Beach, Florida native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Landry is an interior communications electrician aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer
operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy interior communications electrician is responsible for upkeeps and maintenance of
all communication systems on the ship.
“This
job has allowed me to take ownership of certain aspects of the duties,” said
Landry. “I am able to better understand more parts of the 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.
“This
is my first duty station and I really enjoy the people here,” said Landry. “I
have been able to understand the influence of being able to help a shipmate out
which makes for better days.”
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.
“Being in the Navy is a stepping stone for me, and a
more attainable way of achieving what I want in life,” added Landry. “It's a
great facilitator to get where I want to be.”