By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2006 Saint Hubert's High School graduate
and West
Chester, Pennsylvania native is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonelle Eliason is an operations specialist
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of San
Diego, California.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for radars
that track radars air, surface and sub-surface contacts.
“I
enjoy learning something new everyday at this job,”
said Eliason.
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 have other family members on destroyers, so we have
something in common,” said Eliason. “My father served on a destroyer which is really neat to be able to carry on that tradition.”
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.
“What I
like about serving in the Navy is the opportunity to further my education and travel,” added Eliason.