By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2009 Onate High School graduate
and Las
Cruces, New Mexico native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Ensign Joshua Loera is a
surface warfare officer aboard
the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer serving as the combat
electronics division officer operating out of San Diego, California.
As the combat electronics division officer, Loera is
responsible for the radars and internal communications.
“In addition to my
primary responsibility working with combat electronics, the most important
responsibility I have is making sure my sailors are taken care of,” said Loera.
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.
“What I
like most about serving aboard this ship is the
crew,” said Loera. “We have outstanding leadership.”
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 means I'm able to serve this country," added Loera. "It lets me be part of something bigger than myself."