By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public
Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 1983 Douglas High School graduate
and Douglas, Arizona native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided
missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Chief Jose Varela is a damage controlman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy damage controlman is responsible for taking
care of all damage control and fire fighting systems, and ensuring the sailors
are properly trained.
“I enjoy the big family atmosphere at this job,” said
Varela. “It’s nice to have a closeness with everybody aboard the ship.”
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.
“We're making a bunch of upgrades to the ship to make
the ship better,” said Varela. “I love being able to train the crew and get
them ready to go back to doing the real-world operations.”
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 is the chance to give back to the
country,” said Varela. “I love that. I love the opportunity to travel, and the opportunity to interact with the different people that come from different
backgrounds, it's very unique.”