NORFOLK — A 2014 Pershing County High School graduate and Lovelock native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Oscar Austin.
Seaman Andrew Flesdickerman is a seaman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy seaman is responsible for learning and building knowledge aboard the ship while preserving the ship's topside maintenance, driving the ship and performing duties during major evolutions like underway replenishments, small boat operations and flight quarters.
“I enjoy all of the evolutions that I get to be a part of including small boat operations, flight quarters and underway replenishment,” said Flesdickerman.
Commissioned in August of 2000, USS Oscar Austin measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. 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.
"As Oscar Austin continues pre-deployment training, I am proud of the path that we are on to achieving certification excellence in our mission areas in support of our upcoming deployment,” said Cmdr. Janice Smith. “I am proud of our Sailors’ dedication to getting the job done and their resiliency in overcoming adversity to achieve success. We pride ourselves on being the best destroyer in the fleet and every Sailor onboard contributes to making Oscar Austin ‘Ready to Fight’.”
With a crew of over 300 sailors, jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“Everybody on this ship is pretty close and it is a tight knit community,” said Flesdickerman.
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.
“This is a way for me to get out and explore the world,” said Flesdickerman. “I'm away and doing my own thing.”Seaman Andrew Flesdickerman is a seaman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy seaman is responsible for learning and building knowledge aboard the ship while preserving the ship's topside maintenance, driving the ship and performing duties during major evolutions like underway replenishments, small boat operations and flight quarters.
“I enjoy all of the evolutions that I get to be a part of including small boat operations, flight quarters and underway replenishment,” said Flesdickerman.
Commissioned in August of 2000, USS Oscar Austin measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. 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.
"As Oscar Austin continues pre-deployment training, I am proud of the path that we are on to achieving certification excellence in our mission areas in support of our upcoming deployment,” said Cmdr. Janice Smith. “I am proud of our Sailors’ dedication to getting the job done and their resiliency in overcoming adversity to achieve success. We pride ourselves on being the best destroyer in the fleet and every Sailor onboard contributes to making Oscar Austin ‘Ready to Fight’.”
With a crew of over 300 sailors, jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“Everybody on this ship is pretty close and it is a tight knit community,” said Flesdickerman.
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.
“This is a way for me to get out and explore the world,” said Flesdickerman. “I'm away and doing my own thing.”
