Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek
SAN DIEGO – A Manalapan native and 2012 Manalapan High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Vitolo is an operations specialist aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of San Diego, Calif.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship by tracking contacts using radar.
Vitolo credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons he learned growing up in Manalapan.
“I learned the importance of working hard,” said Vitolo. “Nothing comes easy and you have to be willing to put in the work to get something out of whatever you are doing.”
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 assignments 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 toward making the Decatur the best ship on the waterfront,” said Cmdr. Bob Bowen, commanding officer. “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.
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.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Vitolo 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 is a great way for me to grow as a person and do something bigger than myself at the same time,” added Vitolo.
This article was written by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach.
