by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Abigayle Lutz
ARABIAN GULF – Navy Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Shyeim Paramore, a Randolph-Clay High School graduate and Cuthbert, Georgia, native, reenlisted aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Stockdale (DDG 106), Feb. 16.
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| Navy Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Keith Harris, from San Diego, administers the oath of enlistment to Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Shyeim Paramore, from Cuthbert, Georgia, during a reenlistment ceremony in aft steering aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 16 |
After serving in the Navy for five years, Paramore reenlisted for another three years.
“I reenlisted for my wife and son,” Paramore said. “I want the best for them and to be able to give them opportunities that I didn’t have. I reenlisted for my mom too, to make her proud. Also, my brother, sister, and for the guys I call my brothers. Last but not least, my father, the late and great Calvin Paramore, Sr. He is gone now, but I know he wanted this for me and I know he is watching over me. That’s what keeps me going.”
As a machinist’s mate, Paramore operates and maintains turbines and reduction gears used for propulsion and auxiliary machinery. Some of the machinery he works on includes air conditioning and desalination plants.
“My rate deals with potable water and air conditioning for cooling equipment and crew comfort,” Paramore said. “I help to make sure there is water for cooking, drinking and showering. We basically make sure the water is clean and the equipment is running properly. We are the heart of the ship.”
The work Paramore does on a daily basis supports the ship’s readiness for combat operations.
“One of my main responsibilities is as a maintenance man,” Paramore said. “I keep all the equipment we own maintained at readiness condition at all times.”
Paramore said his favorite part of his job is seeing people happy and hydrated because he knows that what he does helps to keep the ship afloat.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been making rank and getting my Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification,” Paramore said.
Paramore has been serving aboard the Stockdale for two years.
“What is unique about Stockdale is the people and my shop,” Paramore said. “When I first got here I was welcomed, and my shop treated me like family and took me in, especially MMC (Chief Machinist’s Mate Eseroma Maefau). He doesn’t know it, but I look up to him. He is a perfect example of a chief. He helped me and pushed me to get qualifications, ESWS, and was there when I needed him.”
The Stockdale is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter threats to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and ballistic missiles.
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and can be armed with tomahawk land-attack missiles, variants of the standard missile, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently, as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups.
Stockdale is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.