By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach
BATH, Maine – A 2006 John A. Rowland High School graduate and Arcadia, California, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Mark Anthony Amara is a fireman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.
As a fireman, Amara works as an electrician apprentice and helps in all electrical aspects aboard ship, including the installation of basic electrical housings on circuits.
“I enjoy working with other sailors aboard the ship and I really like my job,” said Amara.
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.”
Amara has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“My parents always instilled the importance of personal responsibility and looking out for others,” said Amara. "I carry these same lessons with me every day in the Navy."
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.
Amara has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have many family members who served in different branches of the military and my brother is currently serving in the Navy as an electrician's mate in Japan,” said Amara.
Amara’s proudest accomplishment is getting certified for basic engineering.
“I'm also excited about getting qualified to stand watches aboard the ship,” added Amara.
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, Amara and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I'm proud to serve in the Navy and carry on the family legacy,” said Amara. "Serving gives me a great sense of purpose and motivates me to do my best, not only in the Navy but also in life."
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.
“I enjoy working with other sailors aboard the ship and I really like my job,” said Amara.
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.”
Amara has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“My parents always instilled the importance of personal responsibility and looking out for others,” said Amara. "I carry these same lessons with me every day in the Navy."
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.
Amara has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have many family members who served in different branches of the military and my brother is currently serving in the Navy as an electrician's mate in Japan,” said Amara.
Amara’s proudest accomplishment is getting certified for basic engineering.
“I'm also excited about getting qualified to stand watches aboard the ship,” added Amara.
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, Amara and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I'm proud to serve in the Navy and carry on the family legacy,” said Amara. "Serving gives me a great sense of purpose and motivates me to do my best, not only in the Navy but also in life."
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.