Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
BATH, Maine – A 1998 Potomac Job Corps in Washington D.C. school graduate and Norfolk, Virginia, 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 Shawn Beiser is an information systems technician assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.
As an information systems technician Beiser is responsible for information security and is the leading chief petty for 13 sailors in his division.
“I like having the opportunity to travel,” said Beiser. “I’ve been to over 25 countries and completely around the world.”
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.”
Beiser has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.
“Being raised in Norfolk, Virginia, I had the benefit of seeing the Navy as a son of a former sailor,” said Beiser.
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.
Beiser has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather-in-law, father, uncle, and two brothers all served in the Navy,” said Beiser. “My nephew is currently carrying the family torch serving as a limited duty officer.”
Beiser’s proudest accomplishment was having the honor of making the rank of chief petty officer.
“This was a special time in my life because I was pinned by my wife, kids and grandmother with the same chief anchors that my grandfather wore when he served,” said Beiser. “Those anchors were given to my grandfather by one of his closest friends.”
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, Beiser 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 I get to carry on a family legacy serving and protecting our country,” said Beiser.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to carry on a family legacy serving and protecting our country,” said Beiser.
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.