By Petty Officer Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
(SAN DIEGO) – A 2010 Hueneme High School Graduate and Oxnard,
California native recently returned to
the United States from an overseas deployment with the largest amphibious
warship in the Navy.
Petty Officer 3rd Class John Legier, is an informations system technician serving aboard
USS Boxer (LHD-4), based in San Diego, California.
As
an informations system technician, Legier is responsible for managing shipboard systems as well as satellite
communications on Boxer.
“What I enjoy most about my job, is being able to have the
freedom to solve both electronics and computer related issues,” said Legier.Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that resembles a small aircraft carrier. When deployed overseas, it is designated as the flagship of Combined Task Force 151, the international anti-piracy task force pursuing pirates off the coast of Somalia.
Boxer
is famous for playing a critical role in the rescue mission of Capt. Richard
Phillips on April 12, 2009. U.S. Navy SEALS and other special operations forces
from USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) rescued Phillips who was later transferred to
Boxer for medical evaluation and care. This successful rescue mission was
portrayed in the 2103 movie, “Captain
Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, and featuring crewmembers from the USS
Boxer.
The ship is armed with two semi-active radar-guided NATO Sea
Sparrow missile systems (NSSMS) for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling
airframe missile (RAM) systems and two Phalanx close-in weapon-system (CIWS)
mounts to counter threats from low-flying aircraft and close-in small craft.
It’s 844 feet long 106 feet wide, displaces more than 40,000 tons, and reaches
speeds in excess of 23 miles per hour.
As
a member of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, Legier said he is proud to be
part of most capable amphibious force in the world.
“I like the fact that we are all here for the same
purpose. working together as one team to complete the tasks and missions at
hand,” said Legier.
Sailors’
jobs are highly varied at sea, according to Navy officials. More than 1,000
crewmembers keep the ship running smoothly, which includes everything from
maintaining engines, handling weapons, and flying aircraft.
Serving
in the Navy, Legier is learning about
being a more responsible leader, and sailor through handling numerous
responsibilities. The recent deployment offered the opportunity to experience
cultures from around the world.
“The Navy has instilled in me morals and values needed to excel both
professionally and personally,” said Legler. “It’s given me a better appreciation
of what I have at home and to see the world and experience different cultures and
lifestyles, which makes me know I serve in the greatest country in the world.”
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