Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2005 Johnson City Senior High School graduate and Johnson City, New York, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
As a gunner’s mate Rothmeyer is responsible for leading and supervising gunner’s mates in his division working on various weapon systems and explosive safety.
“What I enjoy most about the Navy is sailing in the deep blue sea,” he said.
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.”
Rothmeyer has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“My brother was in Fallujah, Iraq, and seeing how well he did when coming back motivated me to get out of town and to do more with my life,” said Rothmeyer.
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.
Rothmeyer has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather and brother were both in the Army," said Rothmeyer. "My cousin is a Marine, and my great-grandfather served in the Navy."
Rothmeyer’s proudest accomplishment was being a Navy recruiter in Bloomington, Minnesota.
“I loved just going out there and talking to kids who didn't have a plan in life due to financial reasons and helping them by influencing them to the join the Navy,” added Rothmeyer. "Seeing these same kids after they graduated boot camp, gave me a great sense of pride knowing that they succeeded where they thought that they couldn't."
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, Rothmeyer and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I love the camaraderie I share with my fellow sailors,” said Rothmeyer. “It also provides security for my family and it gives me the great opportunity to travel around the world.”
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.