Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 1996 White Oak High School graduate and Jacksonville, North Carolina, native is serving as part of the Pre Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As a sonar technician (geographic) Van Hemel is responsible for leading six chief petty officers, and their personnel, in force protection, gun weapon and vertical launch weapon systems, small arms, and all sonar systems procedures on the ship. He makes sure every sailor has a watchbill assignment and has the equipment and training necessary to put the ‘destroy in destroyer’.
“Interacting with sailors every day from every cross section of this great country is the most rewarding part of my job,” said Van Hemel.
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.”
Van Hemel has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“I came to Thomas Hudner for an opportunity to be a plank owner, because of a plank owner ball cap I saw when I was a 14 year old in Jacksonville,” said Van Hemel. “I wanted to be one.”
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.
Van Hemel has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father is a Marine who retired in 1989. My sister served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Van Hemel.
Van Hemel’s proudest accomplishment is seeing his sailors advance or reenlist.
“It is the reward of hard work and them making the same commitments that I have,” added Van Hemel. "I hope that I’ve been a positive influence on their decisions."
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, Van Hemel and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is much more than a job. It's more than a service to country,” said Van Hemel. "It’s a way of life. It gets in your blood. Those are some of the words of Admiral Albert Pratt, who was assistant secretary of the Navy in 1955."
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.
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.