Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2008 Chugiak High School High School graduate and Anchorage, Alaska, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As a gunner’s mate Mericle-McQuade is responsible for the maintenance on the main gun on the ship as well as all small arms, such as pistols, rifles and shotguns.
“I grew up shooting firearms and I enjoy being able to maintain weapons in the Navy on a higher level,” said McQuade.
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.”
Mericle-McQuade has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“Growing up my family instilled a good work ethic to respect elders,” said Mericle-McQuade.
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.
Mericle-McQuade has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father was in the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict,” said Mericle-McQuade. “I had an aunt who was in the Army as an officer who retired as a major, and both grandfathers served in the Korean War,” added Mericle-McQuade. “It's a family legacy to me and it's a great honor to carry on defending this country such as they did.”
Mericle-McQuade’s proudest accomplishment was receiving the Navy and Maine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I received the medal for doing a circuit card repair over the course of two years, I saved the Navy tens of millions of dollars,” added Mericle-McQuade.
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, Mericle-McQuade and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy gives me the opportunity for great personal and professional growth,” said Mericle-McQuade.
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.