By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2010 Makua Lani High School
graduate and Kailua Kona, Hawaii native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen Hayward is a fire controlman
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy fire controlman is a network technician
responsible for maintaining the network that connects weapons systems.
“My job is engaging,” said Hayward.”Troubleshooting
problems on servers takes a lot of thought and keeps me on my toes.”
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.
“Serving aboard this ship is great because I enjoy
being stationed in San Diego because it is a lot like home,” said Hayward.
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 offers me stability and gives me a
career to build my future,” added Hayward.