By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2008 Webster Groves High School graduate
and Webster
Groves, Missouri native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 2nd Class James Jurotich is an electrician's mate
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy electrician's mate works on equipment including breakers, motor
controllers, and generators.
“Being active moving around and learning new things are
what I like most about my job,” said Jurotich.
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.
“What I
like most about this ship is that we’re a small
community where you get to know everybody,” said Jurotich. “There's a lot of 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.
“Serving my country is part of being a military
family,” added Jurotich. “Five of my siblings and my dad all served in the
military so it is an honor to continue the tradition.”