Hometown Military News for April 4, 2106:
Bloomington native serves aboard USS Bataan
By Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
NORFOLK – A Bloomington native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5).
Airman Benjamin Mathes is serving aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
As a Navy airman he is responsible for fueling the aircraft.
“I like that I am able to be around aircraft in my job,” said Mathes. “Ever since I could remember, I have loved aircraft.”
Commissioned in 1997, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan, is 844 feet long. The ship is named in honor of the defense of the Bataan Peninsula during World War II and is the second ship to bear the name.
Bataan, one of the largest of all amphibious warfare ships, resembles a small aircraft carrier. It is equipped with a mix of helicopters and attack aircraft, launchers and machine guns and an extensive medical facility with 600 hospital beds.
“I have the best job in the entire world,” says Capt. J.C. Carter, commanding officer of the USS Bataan. “Every day, I get to work the best young Americans that our country has to offer! They have endured long deployments and they have engaged the enemy successfully! It is an honor to serve alongside the next greatest generation!”
Approximately 70 officers and 1,000 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the amphibious assault ship running smoothly. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“I like the people here on this ship,” said Mathes. “I also love what I do here which is great.”
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. 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 most relied upon assets, Mathes and other Bataan sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I would say that I have grown much more mature since joining the Navy,” added Mathes.
Three Illinois soldiers become food service specialists
SPRINGFIELD – Three Illinois Army National Guard soldiers and 11 soldiers from other states’ National Guard units graduated from the 129th Regional Training Institute’s Food Service Specialist (92G) qualification course at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois March 28.
Sgt. Jacob Eastburn of Geneseo, Staff Sgt. Curtis Whitten of Milan, and Sgt. Kyle Wolber of Villa Park will all return to their units as food service specialists.
Whitten, a soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 123rd Engineer Battalion in Milan, Illinois, was recognized as the phase one honor graduate while Wobler, with Company G, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Joliet, Illinois, was recognized as the phase two distinguished honor graduate with a 100 percent grade point average.
During the four-week, two-phase course, Soldiers are trained on food safety, cooking techniques, field and garrison feeding equipment, and field and garrison feeding operations, including how to operate a dining facility. To graduate, Soldiers must complete a total of 340 hours of instruction in both phases as well as five written exams and two hands-on evaluations.
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