By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 1998 Cleveland High School
graduate and San Fernando Valley, California native is
serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 1st Class Froilan Morales is a culinary specialist
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for preparing
breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the ship serving approximately 350 sailors.
“I enjoy making people happy with the food that I make,”
said Morales. “I like to make their day a little brighter after a long day of
work.”
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 like the camaraderie aboard
the ship,” said Morales. “Working in the galley, you really get to know sailors
as they come through every day.”
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 protecting our freedoms that
a lot of us take for granted,” added Morales. “A lot of us don't know the
sacrifices that are made by sailors.”