By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2002 Monrovia High School graduate
and Monrovia, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided
missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 1st Class Edna Johnson is an operations specialist
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for assisting
the tactical action officer with surface missions.
“I enjoy the people at this job because we are able to
make a positive impact,” said Johnson. “I also have an opportunity to help out
other sailors which is rewarding for me.”
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.
“This is a multi-billion type of ship,” said Johnson. “It
is a humbling experience to say that I was able to work here.”
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.
“It takes a lot of sacrifice to serve in the Navy, but
it is rewarding at the same time,” added Johnson.