Photo By Leslie Hull-Ryde | Perched in a wench operating station aboard USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), Shawn Rubio, a...... read more read more
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Having grown up in Fayetteville, NC, the son of an Army Special Forces soldier and an Army Reserve nurse, one might think Shawn Rubio would end up on road marches hauling a rucksack, but that’s not the case.
Serving his country is definitely important to Rubio, but he much prefers doing it while underway.
The former Navy submarine sonar technician worked for 25 years in aviation maintenance before joining Military Sealift Command 1.5 years ago “to return to the sea.” Rubio first served aboard USNS Zeus (T-ARC 7), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Currently, he’s an ordinary seaman on USNS Yukon (T-AO 202).
The fleet replenishment oiler which is part of the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Force delivers fuel to U.S. and partner nations’ ships operating in the Indo-Pacific. Replenishments at sea can be a daily occurrence, so Rubio and other members of Yukon’s deck department stay busy keeping the ship in shape as they conduct general maintenance, make necessary repairs, and ensure proper sanitation.
Rubio takes pride in his work and knows he’s continuing a family legacy of contributing to national defense.
What are your responsibilities?
While the responsibilities of an ordinary seaman, also known as a dayworker, are many and varied, I consider the most important, and certainly the most gratifying, to be the handling of the lines, fuel and cargo rigs to connect the Yukon to another warship, enabling us to transfer fuel and cargo while underway at sea. Ordinary seaman also assist in loading cargo, and preparing that cargo for transfer at sea, whether by line or by helicopter.
How does your position contribute to mission accomplishment?
Of course, the entire ship’s company plays an important role, but deck department dayworkers are absolutely critical when conducting a replenishment at sea, as we connect the ships, tend the fuel lines, and transfer the cargo. Without the ability to transfer that fuel or cargo while underway, the U.S. Navy would not be the global, power-projection force that it is.
What’s the most difficult or challenging part of your job?
The most challenging aspect is the inherent danger in handling heavy equipment and cargo, with lines and wire under high tension, sometimes in miserable weather conditions.
What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job has been, even if it’s a very tiny part, enabling the fighting Navy to continue its part in the Global War on Terrorism and deterrence operations.
What would you say to others who may be interested in supporting MSC?
While it is not easy being separated from family and friends, this job is well worth it knowing the contribution we are making to this nation’s national defense.
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2021 00:17 |
| Story ID: | 389986 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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