NORFOLK – A 1994 Norwich High School graduate and Norwich native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS San Jacinto (CG 56).
Petty Officer 1st Class Keri Allan is a logistics specialist aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for ordering and procuring mission essential parts and materials that the sailors use aboard the ship as well as financial records, paperwork and budget.
“I enjoy the customer service aspect of my job,” said Allan. “I like helping people identify their issues and order the parts to help fix it.”
Commissioned in January of 1988, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS San Jacinto, also called San Jac, is 567 feet long; the length of more than three football fields. The ship is named after the Battle of San Jacinto, the battle of the Texas Revolution.
San Jac is a tactical multi-mission cruiser capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces and can operate independently or as the flagship of a surface action group. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, 54 caliber guns and phalanx close-in weapons systems.
“The sailors on board USS San Jacinto never cease to astound me with the effort they put into completing the mission on a daily basis,” said Capt. Dennis Velez, commanding officer of USS San Jacinto. “Their hard work during our compressed and ever changing schedule makes me proud of each and every one of them.”
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. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“I really enjoy the opportunity that this ship has given me to experience a different type of ship than I am accustom to,” said Allan.
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Allan and other San Jac sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“The Navy has taught me that there is different leadership styles and different ways to interact with people,” added Allan. “It has given me the opportunity to learn more about different cultures, as well.”