By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – An Odessa, Texas, native and 2010 Jacksonville High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Halsey.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Bregel is an aegis fire controlman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy aegis fire controlman is responsible for the Aegis Weapon System computers and networking on the ship by ensuring that they communicate and interface properly.
“Growing up I learned to do a good job the first time,” said Bregel. “In the Navy, that means I am going to try my best right off the bat so that I do the job well the first time around.”
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 Bregel, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bregel is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad served in the Navy as a chaplain,” said Bregel “I think that he had an effect on my decision to join. I feel proud that I am in the same branch that he served in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Bregel and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to serve my country and protect the people I care about,” added Bregel.
A Navy aegis fire controlman is responsible for the Aegis Weapon System computers and networking on the ship by ensuring that they communicate and interface properly.
“Growing up I learned to do a good job the first time,” said Bregel. “In the Navy, that means I am going to try my best right off the bat so that I do the job well the first time around.”
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 Bregel, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bregel is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad served in the Navy as a chaplain,” said Bregel “I think that he had an effect on my decision to join. I feel proud that I am in the same branch that he served in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Bregel and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to serve my country and protect the people I care about,” added Bregel.