BATH, Maine – A 2016 Meed County High School graduate and Brandenburg, Kentucky, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Fireman Austin Burnetthulsey is a damage controlman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.
As a damage controlman Burnetthulsey is responsible for maintaining the firefighting equipment aboard the ship. He also trains crewmembers on firefighting, shoring and basic damage control.
“I was a firefighter before I joined the Navy and I feel at home every day with the tasks I perform,” said Burnetthulsey. "Firefighting is a part of me."
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.”
Burnetthulsey has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“Growing up I leaned that treating others with respect is very important,” said Burnetthulsey. "In the Navy, I work with many different people from different backgrounds and having this mindset helps me out every day."
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.
Burnetthulsey has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have one brother who served in the Army and another who is currently serving in the Air Force,” said Burnetthulsey. "They both had a big impact on my reason to join the Navy. My grandfather was a fire chief, my father was a fire captain and all three of my brothers were firefighters. I believe I'm carrying on the family legacy as a damage controlmen in the Navy."
Burnetthulsey’s proudest accomplishments are visiting Scotland and England.
“It gives me a great sense of pride to know that many people will never have the opportunity to travel like I have,” added Burnetthulsey.
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, Burnetthulsey and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means pride to me,” said Burnetthulsey. "Knowing that my family and friends back home are encouraging me in my career keeps me going. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to know that I'm part of something bigger than myself."
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.