EDITOR”S NOTE: This story is by By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach and the photo is by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek
SAN DIEGO – Fennville native and 2012 Fennville High grad Luis Ortiz is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Decatur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ortiz is a quartermaster aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of San Diego. A Navy quartermaster is responsible for safely navigating the ship in a timely matter. Ortiz credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fennville. “I grew up blue collar,” said Ortiz. “We worked a lot. All we do in the Navy is work, too. No matter the job you have to get the task done.” 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. “The success of the Decatur is due to the dedication and ownership each member of the crew feels towards making Decatur the best ship on the waterfront,” said Cmdr. Bob Bowen, commanding officer of USS Decatur. “Our team is always ready to accomplish the mission because of the commitment each sailor has to maintaining high standards and sound shipboard operating principles. Every team member knows their roles and responsibilities and does their part to ensure success.” Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups. Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired. The ship has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles. Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions, according to Navy officials. 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 Ortiz, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Ortiz is honored to carry on that family tradition. “My uncle served in the Army for 12 years,” said Ortiz. “Growing up, I always talked to my dad about joining the military. My dad really understood after talking to the recruiter how much the Navy would benefit me.” While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Ortiz has found many great rewards. Ortiz is also proud of earning a Flag Letter of Commendation for work done during the 2016 deployment. As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Ortiz 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 serving my country,” added Ortiz. “Without the military or the Navy, not a lot of people would get to do what they do.”
