Thursday, October 18, 2018

Newsite Native Serves Aboard one of Navy’s Most Advanced Warships

By Ricky Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward

NORFOLK, Va. – A 2016 Gates County High School graduate and Newsite, Alabama, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Phillips is an operations specialist aboard the warship, based in Norfolk, Virginia. USS Mason is named after Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Ensign Newton Henry Mason.

A Navy operations specialist is responsible for being in charge of the radar navigational equipment.

“You really have to know how to work with communication equipment and radar systems,” Phillips said.

Phillips credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Newsite.

“I come from a small town and I learned how to communicate with other people that has helped me work with others,” Phillips said.

U.S. Navy sailors, like Phillips, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. USS Mason is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.

Due to its extensive combat capability, the Mason is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.

The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.

The crew of more than 300 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.

“Hitting different ports such as I did in Ireland, gives me the opportunity to experience different cultures and people,” Phillips said.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Phillips is most proud of making the rank of petty officer third class.

“My father served in the Navy and we have a friendly competition to see who could make the highest rank,” Phillips said.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Phillips and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means I am proud and honored to have the opportunity to serve and defend for those that cannot,” Phillips added.