By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2013 Hammonton High School graduate
and Hammonton, New Jersey native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Fireman Nicholas Bagliani is a damage controlman aboard
the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego,
California.
A Navy damage controlman is a firefighter aboard the destroyer.
“I'm a first responder for any casualty,” said Bagliani. “I
also teach the crew how to fight a fire at sea.”
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.
“I like the small ship feel and the togetherness we
have in my division,” said Bagliani. “It's the people who make a real
difference.”
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.
“I wanted to serve since I was a little kid,” said
Bagliani. “So, it's knocking out that aspiration I've had for a long time.
Doing something outside the normal. Doing something on my own to make people
proud.”