NORFOLK — A Bremerton native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Oscar Austin.
Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Rudd is a master-at-arms aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy master-at-arms is responsible for the ship’s anti-terrorism training and evolutions. He is also responsible for maintaining good order and discipline and assisting with legal matters on the ship.
“As an MA, I enjoy that I can be stationed anywhere, and here on the ship it is nice having that level of authority and knowing you are actively making a big impact on the command in more than one way,” said Rudd.
Commissioned in August of 2000, USS Oscar Austin measures approximately 500 feet long 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.
“It is one of the pinnacle destroyers,” said Rudd. “It was the first Flight II DDG platform and it has been out on a lot of different types of missions. The crew is definitely one of the most resilient crews I’ve served with.”
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.
“Serving in the Navy is my way of just giving back to the country that has given me so much,” said Rudd. “I came from a Navy family and it has always been a part of me. I knew from a young age that I would serve in the military and make it a career. It has just provided me so much even after joining.”
— Edited by Michelle Beahm
