CCHS graduate transitions into Navy life in Hawaii

By Megan Miller, Editor

Alyse Champion, 2014 Clay-Chalkville High School graduate, is now serving aboard the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, USS John Paul Jones.

Champion is a personnel specialist aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, which is currently operating out of Joint Base

submitted photo

Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

“I love the scenery in Hawaii,” Champion said. “I love outdoor activities, and the culture.  It’s a little more laid back, and the luau’s are fun.”

John Paul Jones measures 500 feet, and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to reach a speed of more than 30 miles-per-hour on the sea.

“Our Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific guided-missile destroyers are poised, trained, equipped and ready to deploy forward and support the Fleet,” Rear Adm. John Fuller, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, said. “Working with friends and allies, our MIDPAC sailors provide sea control, advance maritime security, enhance regional stability, and foster continued prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”

Champion’s baseline duties include administration and personnel management, but her duties also include serving as a petty officer of the watch while at port meaning she’s responsible for the safety and security of the ship. If the ship is in a combat setting, she serves as a first responder in the battle dressing station, should there be casualties.

There are 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women making up the ship’s company. Each job is highly specialized in order to keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. Jobs range from maintaining engines and handling weaponry, to washing dishes and preparing meals.

“I enjoy meeting everybody that checks on the ship,” Champion said. “There’s not a face on board that I don’t know, and can’t talk to. Getting to a new command can be difficult, and I like to be the first face people meet when they check on board.”

Life for Navy officials is comprised of specialized work, watches and drills. Navy officials said the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, and the crew is motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions.

“Serving in the Navy means that even though we all don’t have the same ideas, or backgrounds, we can all keep our unique identity as we strive towards a common purpose,” Champion said.