Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2003 Caledonia High School graduate and Alto, Michigan native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As an electronics technician Kucharczyk is a satellite technician responsible for maintaining, testing and analyzing communications equipment for various operations.
“I enjoy fixing stuff and handling new technology,” said Kucharczyk.
DDG 116 is currently undergoing tests and trials in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Navy from shipbuilder Bath Iron Works. Arleigh Burke class destroyers measure approximately 500 feet long and are powered by four gas turbines that allow the ship to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. Destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute a variety of missions.
“Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his element leader, the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat, Ensign Jesse L. Brown,” said Cmdr. Nathan W. Scherry, commanding officer, PCU Thomas Hudner. “On 07 May 2012, Secretary Mabus announced that DDG 116 will be named in Captain Hudner's honor. Today, as the Navy's finest 300 Sailors crew the 66th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, they do so with a tremendous amount of honor, pride, and sense of duty. We are extremely honored to be able to carry Captain Hudner's values and legacy forward so that they are never forgotten. We are proud to be able to carry out our missions in defense of our country's freedom and values, and humbled to be part of the Hudner family.”
Kucharczyk has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“I was always told by my school faculty that I needed to go to college to succeed, but I never would have traded the experiences that I faced growing up for college,” said Kucharczyk. “Their doubt motivated me to prove that they we were wrong and by joining the military, I did just that."
With a crew of over 300 sailors, each crew member’s job is important to the smooth operation of the ship. The jobs range from weapon handling to navigation.
Kucharczyk has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My dad retired as a senior chief after 20 years in the Navy,” said Kucharczyk. “On my mother's side, my grandfather joined the Army and fought in Korean War. I have two brothers who are currently in the Air Force and my brother-in-law is in the Army.”
Kucharczyk’s proudest accomplishment was hugging Medal of Honor recipient Alfredo Gonzalez’s mother as she came on the ship to visit us calling us her children.
“To see her smile knowing that we were keeping his name alive and being able to strike emotion in the families of the ships I've sailed,” added Kucharczyk.
Close 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.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s newest ships, Kucharczyk and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It means a lot to carry on the generations of military service my family has done and is still doing,” said Kucharczyk. “I'm very patriotic, I love my country and flag.”
The construction of the ship is over 98% complete. The ship is scheduled for commissioning in late 2018 in Boston, Mass. For more information about the commissioning, visit http://www.usshudnerddg116.org.