By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2005 Muscle Shoals High School
graduate and Muscle Shoals,
Alabama native is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 1st Class William Welch is a fire controlman
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for working on the spy radar aboard the
ship.
“The think I enjoy most about my job is keeping up with
new technology and learning about electronic troubleshooting,” said Welch.
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.
“After our upgrade, we are basically leading the Navy
with the most advanced war ship in the world and that is the best part about
serving with this command,” said Welch.
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 allows me to continue a legacy,” added Welch. “It also means that I
am responsible for keeping people safe back home.”