Photo By, Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2006 Eustis High School graduate and Eustis, Florida, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Chief Petty Officer Marnika Ash is a culinary specialist assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.
As a culinary specialist, Ash is directly in charge of the requisition, procurement, storage, and accounting of food service, inventory, and equipment.
“I am a food service manager for a division of 31 personnel and 93 supply department spaces,” said Ash. “I work in the heart of the ship and my division has a direct impact on the crew morale.”
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.”
Ash has carried lessons learned from her hometown into her military service.
“I moved to Eustis as a teenager and lost my father at the age of 15,” said Ash. “This caused an abundant amount of financial strain on my family and ultimately, the security of my family’s future. This fueled my determination and I was humbled during that phase in my life as my circumstances helped me to excel. Family is important to me because my decisions positively affect the people that I care about the most.”
Ash’s proudest accomplishments is making chief petty officer and being selected for limited duty officer.
“This is my first step in life to achieving my goals, but who's to say I might make this a permanent career. As of now, I can say I have so many options and opportunities that can only lead to my ultimate success,” added Ash.
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.
Ash has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I joined the Navy with my twin sister, Tarmika, and we went through boot camp together,” said Ash. My cousin, brother-in-law, and husband are currently in the Navy and my little sister, Kiarra Dancy, will be going to boot camp this summer.”
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, Ash 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 everything to me,” said Ash. “It has assisted me with where I am and who I am today. I love putting on my uniform every morning.”
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.