Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2016 Largo High School graduate and Clearwater, Florida, 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, Cruz is responsible for food preparation and serving meals to the crew. Cruz also schedules maintenance on food storage equipment.
“We add to the ship's morale by providing meals to hungry sailors,” said Cruz. "You meet a lot of people on the mess decks. Pretty much the whole crew passes through on a daily basis."
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.”
Cruz has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“My parents taught me how to be independent and to be accountable for my actions,” said Cruz. "These things help me get my assignments done the right way, while working with other people."
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.
Cruz has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My stepbrother served in the Army for seven years,” said Cruz.
Cruz’s proudest accomplishment is graduating boot camp.
“It was the first challenge the Navy presented,” added Cruz. "I was successful, and it showed me that I could accomplish anything."
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, Cruz and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I'm serving my country while providing for my family,” said Cruz. “It feels good and makes me proud of what I do.”
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.