MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Shun Tat Chang, a native of Albany, New York, was recently recognized for their work while serving the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Russell.
Chang, a 2016 graduate of Lansingburgh High School, recently earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification after completing multiple difficult requirements across many different areas of expertise.
According to Navy officials, the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification signifies that a sailor has achieved the highest level of expertise in surface ships and in surface warfare.
“Being nominated and awarded by my chain of command is an honor,” said Chang. “I want to encourage others to perform at a higher level and show that the hard work you put in is worth the time.”
Chang joined the Navy more than four years ago. Today, Chang serves as an electrician’s mate.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Chang serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Russell is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer named for Rear Admiral John Henry Russell Sr. and his son, John Henry Russell Jr. John Henry Russell Sr. served during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War and John Henry Russell Jr. was the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Russell. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.