By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2003 Ridley High School graduate
and Eddystone, Pennsylvania native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided
missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Vickers is a culinary specialist
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
As a Navy culinary specialist he is responsible for the
cooks in the food service division ensuring all meals are prepared on time and
properly.
“I enjoy the food preparation aspect of my job,” said
Vickers. “I have a passion for food. If I weren't in the Navy I would probably
be a chef, so it's a great opportunity to still do what I am passionate about.”
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 command is a whole new experience for me,” said
Vickers. “Before this I was on a carrier and an amphib which are huge crews.
The camaraderie aboard smaller ships is one of the best things I have
experienced in the Navy.”
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 gives me a sense of pride,” added Vickers. “Being a part of the
military is something my grandfather did, so I am able to carry on that
tradition. I take pride in knowing that.”