By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A Boise, Idaho, native and 2007 Meridan High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Michael Murphy.
Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Blake is a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) is responsible for operating and maintaining gas turbine systems aboard the ship.
“Growing up in Idaho, I learned a strong work ethic,” said Blake. “You work hard and you play hard. Taking that over into the military has worked well for me.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Blake, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Blake is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy as a draftsman,” said Blake. “I didn't find out that he served till after I joined. It made me feel like the Navy was the right fit for me. It allowed me to get out of Idaho and see the big world out here.”
Blake is also proud of earning three Navy Achievement Medals for outstanding performance during an inspection cycle in 2012.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Blake and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving, to me, means simply serving my country,” added Blake. “It means that I can make sure my family doesn't have to worry about issues abroad. I do my part for the country so they don't have to.”
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) is responsible for operating and maintaining gas turbine systems aboard the ship.
“Growing up in Idaho, I learned a strong work ethic,” said Blake. “You work hard and you play hard. Taking that over into the military has worked well for me.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Blake, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Blake is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Navy as a draftsman,” said Blake. “I didn't find out that he served till after I joined. It made me feel like the Navy was the right fit for me. It allowed me to get out of Idaho and see the big world out here.”
Blake is also proud of earning three Navy Achievement Medals for outstanding performance during an inspection cycle in 2012.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Blake and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving, to me, means simply serving my country,” added Blake. “It means that I can make sure my family doesn't have to worry about issues abroad. I do my part for the country so they don't have to.”