BATH, Maine – A 2008 Cedar Shoals High School graduate and Athens, Georgia, native is serving as part of the Pre Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As a culinary specialist, Echols is responsible for preparing and serving meals for almost 300 sailors as well as the financial records for food service.
“What I enjoy most is boosting other’s morale by doing my job correctly and being a good example to junior sailors,” said Echols.
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.”
Echols has carried lessons learned from her hometown into her military service.
“My mother taught me to be more open and to take on more challenges,” said Echols. "This attitude makes me a better sailor."
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.
Echols has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have two twin cousins who both retired as master chiefs in the Navy,” said Echols.
Echols’s proudest accomplishments are being promoted to first class and enrolling in college courses.
“One of my goals in the Navy is to apply for limited duty officer and my latest promotion is a positive step in that direction,” added Echols.
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, Echols and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Without the Navy, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all the things I have so far, so serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Echols.
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.