By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller

BATH, Maine – A 2015 Virgin Valley High School graduate and Mesquite, Nevada, 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 Taylor Douglas is a fire controlman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.

As a fire controlman Douglas is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a missile fire control system aboard ship. Douglas is also responsible for the control and handling of small arms.

“I like that I get to teach others how to safely handle small arms and mentor junior sailors on the larger weapons systems,” said Douglas.

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.”

Douglas has carried lessons learned from her hometown into her military service.

“I learned how to apply time management to tasks while growing up in Mesquite,” said Douglas. “I also learned how to have fun while still getting the job done.”

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.

Douglas has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My stepfather served 22 years in the Air Force. He was thrilled that I joined the Navy,” said Douglas.

Douglas’s proudest accomplishment is making second class petty officer in less than two years.

“It proved that I had the level of knowledge necessary to lead other sailors,” added Douglas.

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, Douglas and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“It means a lot to be able to serve on a newly commissioned ship, where we actually have an opportunity to get out there and make a positive difference,” said Douglas.

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.