By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public
Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2004 San Dieguito Academy High School
graduate and Encinitas, California native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Hewitt 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 maintenance on all the interior communications within
the ship, including phone systems and alarm systems.
“I enjoy having the ability to be able to go overseas,”
said Hewitt. “I've never seen the world, and the Navy has given me that
opportunity. “
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.
“Being on a destroyer, I get to serve on a smaller ship,” said
Hewitt. “Everyone knows each other and it's such a tight-knit community. People
know you by name, whereas on a big deck, you don't always get that.”
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, you get respect from your
shipmates,” added Hewitt. “I'm more respected because of I serve in the military.”