By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2011 Shawnee Mission Northwest High
School graduate and Shawnee, Kansas native is serving
in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Madison Watts is an interior communications
electrician aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer
operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy interior communications electrician is responsible for alarms and sensors, compasses, phones, audio
equipments, and television systems.
“I enjoy how versatile the job is because a lot of
rates work on one kind of gear but we work on stuff in every part of the ship,”
said Watts. “You get to know a lot about the ship and other people's rates.”
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 small crew so everyone gets to know each
other,” said Watts. “It really does become a family like atmosphere. It builds
a strong camaraderie.”
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.
“When
you serve in the Navy, not only do you learn to care more about your shipmates
than yourself, but your country as well,” added Watts. “Being put in this kind
of environment, you learn so much about yourself. It’s really a great
experience because you can become a better person.”