(SAN DIEGO)—A 2015 Taylor Allderdice High School graduate and Homewood native is playing a key role in supporting the newest and largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Seaman Christian Wingate, a boatswain’s mate serving aboard USS America (LHA 6), is based in San Diego, Calif. America is the fourth warship to be named for the United States.
As a boatswain’s mate, Wingate is responsible for preservation of the ship, involved with safety of the crew, providing security, and maintaining the wellness of the ship.
“My job is very unique because I get to be a part of a team that assists in safely getting the ship underway, which includes driving small boats that escort the ship,” said Wingate.
America is equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid electric propulsion system, which is an energy initiative designed to increase range, endurance and longer deployments enhancing America’s combat capability. It’s 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs nearly 45,000 tons, with two gas turbine engines that push the ship through water at more than 22 knots.
Its mission is to support a wide spectrum of military operations and missions, including putting Marines ashore for combat operations, launching air strikes, keeping sea lanes free and open for the movement of global commerce, and delivering humanitarian aid following a disaster like the typhoon that devastated the Philippines in 2013.
As a member of the U.S. Navy’s finest warships, Wingate said he and other Sailors are proud to be part of most capable amphibious force in the world
“This is America personified; the diversity, hard working crew and family atmosphere is what this country is all about,” said Wingate.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied on America, according to Navy officials. Their job includes keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly—this includes everything from maintaining aircrafts and engines, processing paperwork, to handling weapons, and flying the aircraft.
Serving in the Navy, Wingate is learning about being a more responsible leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The challenges that I have to deal with has made me more responsible, it’s strengthened my work ethic and its helped me mature a lot,” said Wingate.
(Ricky Burke works at the Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs)
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