By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public
Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2010 Flatonia High School graduate
and Flatonia, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided
missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Hernandez is a gunner's mate aboard
the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego,
California.
As a Navy gunner's mate he is the vertical launching system technician responsible for maintenance on the mark-41 system.
“My job has given me more opportunities to be able to
get to where I want and progress in my Naval career,” said Hernandez.
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.
“Everyone is so close and the community is tight-knit
aboard the ship,” said Hernandez. “When people need to get something done, they
know exactly who to go to, in stead of not knowing the people.”
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.
“By
serving in the Navy, I have a chance to do
something special that not a lot of people can or will do,” added Hernandez.