By Petty Officer Jamal McNeill, Office Public Affairs
A 2012 Brandon High School graduate is playing a key role in supporting the newest and largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Airman Travis Price, is an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) serving aboard USS America (LHA 6), based in San Diego, California. America is the fourth warship to be named for the United States.
As an aviation boatswain’s mate, Price is responsible for the safe launching and recovery of aircraft aboard the ship.
“I stay busy with my job but it’s great because it’s hard work and it keeps me on my toes,” said Price. “I also have a great sense of accomplishment knowing that I am defending my country to the best of my ability.”
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.
Her 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, Price said he and other sailors are proud to be part of most capable amphibious force in the world.
“It means a lot to serve aboard this ship,” said Price. “Everyone here has joined to serve their country but when you are serving on this ship named after our nation, it takes the sense of pride to the next level.”
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.
“The Navy has taught me how to work with people from all walks of life and I understand how important teamwork is with others to achieve a common goal,” said Price.
