By Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy Public
Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2012 Roy C Start High School graduate
and Toledo, Ohio native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided
missile destroyer, USS Milius.
A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for providing
nutritious meals for the crew.
“I see everyone on the ship because of my job,” said
Brooks. “I love interacting with them.”
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.
“It's a really cool job,” said Brooks. “Not many people
can do this. Who else can say they wake up everyday and are able to go to work
on a ship?”
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 a lot to me,” added Brooks. “Where
I come from is so small, not everybody is able to get out of the town. I was
able to do just that by having this job.”