BATH, Maine – A 2004 Seton Hall Prep graduate and East Hanover, New Jersey native is serving as part of the Pre Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As a strike warfare officer, Hanisko is responsible for taking care of the tomahawk weapon system and the vertical launching system. He also leads other sailors on a daily basis.
“What I like most about the Navy are the things many sailors don't normally think about,” said Hanisko. "As an example seeing the night sky on the ocean, or looking at the stars free from light pollution. As a surface warfare officer, I take pleasure in driving a ship through a squall and seeing a rainbow on the other side."
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.”
Hanisko has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“Growing up I learned that sometimes life can be disappointing, but you can't get stuck in a rut and you need to keep moving forward,” said Hanisko. "Knowing that the good stuff is ahead is reassuring to me."
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.
Hanisko has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I've had several relatives who served in uniform during the Vietnam War and I have a first cousin currently serving in the Coast Guard as a petty officer first class,” said Hanisko. "It was my cousin’s success that influenced me to join the Navy."
Hanisko’s proudest accomplishment was that he was able to reenlist one of his sailors during his last tour.
“I had a great sense of satisfaction watching this sailor grow personally and professionally,” added Hanisko.
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, Hanisko 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 that I get to be a part of something bigger than myself and give back to the country that has given so much to me,” said Hanisko.
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.