Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Pine Forrest High School graduate and Pensacola, Florida, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Domanquie Ezell is a damage controlman 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 damage controlman is responsible for ship stability, fire-fighting, and maintenance of damage-control equipment and systems.
“I like the training," Ezell said. "I love being able to show sailors how they can effectively use damage control techniques for safety and integrity of the ship.”
Ezell credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Pensacola.
“Growing up, I learned to be respectful, kind, patient and understanding of others," Ezell said. "This mindset helps me interact with other sailors every day.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Ezell, 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.
“I appreciate the camaraderie and close-knit community of a destroyer," Ezell said. "It feels more like a family at times.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Ezell is most proud of receiving Blue Jacket of the Quarter and Top Snipe of the Month at the same time.
“Getting both awards showed all the hard work I’ve been putting in and made me feel appreciated,” Ezell said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Ezell 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 a lot to me," Ezell added. "It gives me a sense of pride and honor to serve my country. It's also changed me as a person for the better.”