By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2012 Warner Robins High School graduate
and Warner
Robins, Georgia native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Fireman Jeremie Bass is a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, California.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician is responsible for keeping
the ship running by maintaining all propulsion systems.
“The people I work with is what I most enjoy about
serving aboard this ship,” said Bass. “We can have rough days, but we still get
along.”
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'm stationed in San Diego, but we get to experience a
lot of different places,” said Bass. “During my last deployment, we visited lots
of other countries like Spain, Dubai, Khalifa, and Singapore.”
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.
“One
thing I like about serving in the Navy is that I
get to be a good role model for my little brother,” said Bass. “Also, I always wanted to go to Japan, and I'm
going there next year.”