By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2009 Palm Desert High School graduate
and Palm
Desert, California native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Fireman Calci Boyd is an
electrician’s mate aboard the Arleigh
Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy electrician’s mate is responsible for any
electrician and maintaining all electrical systems onboard the ship.
“With
this job, there is always something to learn,”
said Boyd. “I get to learn a lot, not only in my rate, but from the people I
work with too.”
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
enjoy this command because there are a lot of
different collateral duties, programs you can do, and command functions,”
said Boyd.
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 gives me peace of mind,” added Boyd.
“It also means that I am making my parents proud.”