Lawrenceburg Native Serves Aboard U.S. Navy "Stealth Ship"

Elijah McNaughton is a 2016 graduate of Lawrenceburg High School.

Elijah McNaughton. Photo provided. 

(Bath, Me.) - A 2016 Lawrenceburg High School graduate and Lawrenceburg, Indiana, native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Petty Officer 3rd Class Elijah McNaughton is a fire controlman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.

As a fire controlman McNaughton is responsible for maintaining and operating equipment that guides missiles.

“The people I work with are interesting, to say the least,” said McNaughton. "There’s never a dull moment. We get the job done though.”

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.”

McNaughton has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.

“Growing up in Lawrenceburg, working together and giving back was huge,” said McNaughton. "Everywhere you looked you saw generosity, and people helping others."

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.

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

“My great grandfather served in World War II on a submarine,” said McNaughton. "His character influenced my decision to join the Navy. My older brother is currently serving as a cavalry scout in the Army."

McNaughton’s proudest accomplishment is completing a specialized fire control system school.

“It's allowed me to work on new equipment and made my job challenging and rewarding on the Hudner,” added McNaughton.

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

“By serving in the Navy, I believe I'm giving back to those who have gone before me,” said McNaughton. "The Navy is not just a job to me; it's a family working together to protect our loved ones back home."

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.