Alexandria, Va. native serves aboard guided-missile destroyer in Pearl Harbor
By Lt. Cmdr. David Daitch, Navy Office of Community Outreach
A 2012 West Potomac High School graduate and Alexandria, Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Chung-Hoon.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Marta Sheinis is a gas turbine systems technician aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the propulsion and power generation systems on the ship.
“It’s great work,” said Sheinis. “I never pictured I’d be working on multi-million dollar engines and generators.”
Chung-Hoon, measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve more than 30 mph in open seas.
According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.
“Our Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific guided-missile destroyers are poised, trained, equipped and ready to deploy forward and support the Fleet,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. “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.”
Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines and handling weaponry to washing dishes and preparing meals.
“I’ve grown up where it’s very cold, and being stationed in Hawaii is a good change,” said Sheinis. “The weather is nice, the people are really nice, it’s very calm. I try to go hiking every other weekend, exploring the island.”
Challenging 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.
“My father was in the Navy, and I’m proud to follow in his footsteps,” said Sheinis. “Serving in the Navy let’s me give back.”
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