Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Johnson | SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 26, 2023) – Operations Specialist 3rd Class Armando...... read more read more
Subscribe
SEAA Killeen, Texas, native and 2019 graduate of Killeen High School is serving aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69).
Operations Specialist (OS) 3rd Class Armando Montelongo joined the Navy in 2019 and is now forward-deployed aboard Milius to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something different and wanted to travel the world with my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife,” said Montelongo. “I also wanted to serve for myself, family and country, especially as a first-generation citizen. This country has given a lot to me and my family, and serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back.”
As an OS, Montelongo works in Milius’ combat information center, where he tracks, classifies and evaluates potential contacts using advanced radar equipment and technology.
“My recruiter was very honest with me and told me about all of the Navy rates from her personal experience,” said Montelongo. “OS sounded like the best option because I could contribute directly and significantly in so many ways. You really are involved with everything going on and are essential to the ship’s overall mission.”
Montelongo said one of the most rewarding experiences he’s had in the Navy is having the opportunity to serve with different people from different walks of life.
“It’s been great to be able to get to know the people I work with,” said Montelongo. “We all came from different places and have different reasons for being here, but we come together to get through tough times. We may be away from our families for long periods of time, but out here we are our own family.”
Montelongo offered some advice for anyone thinking about joining the Navy.
“Come in with an open mind and don’t forget the reasons you wanted to join,” Montelongo said. “Stay focused and committed, but more than anything, embrace every moment because it will go by fast.”
While currently focused on Milius’ ongoing deployment, Montelongo said he is looking forward to seeing his wife, Makayla, when the ship returns to Yokosuka.
“If I could say anything to her right now, it would be ‘thank you for supporting me and I love you,’” said Montelongo.
Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2023 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 441239 |
| Location: | SOUTH CHINA SEA |
| Web Views: | 217 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Killeen, Texas, Native Serves Aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) While Conducting Operations in the South China Sea, by PO1 Gregory Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
