Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 2009 Mountain Home High School graduate and Mountain Home, Idaho, native is serving as part of the Pre Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Dodds is a gunner's mate assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.
As a gunner's mate Dodds is responsible for small arms storage and control aboard ship. Dodds also instructs others how to safely handle weapons.“I like that I’m able to actually fire the guns,” said Dodds. "I grew up hunting in Idaho."
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.”
Dodds has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“I think I still have a lot of small town values that help me in my Navy career,” said Dodds. "I'm able to focus on the things that are really important."
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.
Dodds has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father served in the Navy as a Seabee,” said Dodds. "My grandfather served in Korea. My cousin is also a Navy Seabee, while another is with security forces in the Air Force."
Dodds’ proudest accomplishment is being part of a ceremonial guard drill team during a presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. He was also selected as the command’s ‘blue jacket of the year’ for 2017.
“To be part of a presidential inauguration is something very few people in the military can say they have done,” added Dodds.
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, Dodds and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like knowing that my family is secure because of the sacrifice we, as sailors, make to keep the nation safe,” said Dodds.
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.