By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2013 South Kitsap High School graduate
and Port
Orchard, Washington native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Neiner is an electronics technician
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy electronics technician works on circuit cards
and hardware inside radio and electronic systems.
“What I
like most about the Navy is the people I meet,”
said Neiner. “There are a variety of
personalities with a lot of different viewpoints.”
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.
“The people I serve with make it easier to get through
the day,” said Neiner. “I like my supervisor who makes it easier to do my job.”
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.
“I feel like I have a purpose serving my country
because I’m part of something bigger than myself while setting myself up for
the future,” added Neiner.