Darlington sailor serves aboard Navy warship homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – A Darlington, South Carolina, native and 2017 Darlington High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Michael Murphy.
Seaman Recruit Calvin Thomas is a ship’s serviceman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy ship’s serviceman is responsible for the ship store, refilling vending machines, and managing the ship’s barbershop and laundry room.
“I used to work at a Piggly Wiggly and I think that really helped me in the ship store,” said Thomas. “I am used to being customer friendly, which I think is important for the crew’s morale.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
“Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter,” said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility’s flag pole, the First Navy Jack, ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy.”
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Thomas, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Thomas is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin, Roger Boy, was in the Army, and cousin, James Bull, was in the Navy,” said Thomas. “They talked to me and lead me down the right path to join the Navy. My grandma also encouraged me to join.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Thomas and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot because I can finally do something for my country,” added Thomas. “I feel like it has changed my life for the better.”
