Hawkinsville native serves aboard USS San Jacinto
NORFOLK – A 2008 Hawkinsville High School graduate and Hawkinsville native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS San Jacinto.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Garis Jr. is a hull technician aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy hull technician is responsible for welding, braising, metal fabrication, plumbing, firefighting and any kind of repair aboard the ship.
"I enjoy that my job is very hands-on," said Garis. "I like working with my hands. It is satisfying."
Commissioned in January of 1988, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS San Jacinto, also called San Jac, is 567 feet long, the length of more than three football fields. The ship is named after the Battle of San Jacinto, the battle of the Texas Revolution.
San Jac is a tactical multi-mission cruiser capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces and can operate independently or as the flagship of a surface action group. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, 54 caliber guns and phalanx close-in weapons systems.
"The Sailors on board USS San Jacinto never ceases to amazes me with the effort they put into completing the mission on a daily basis," said Capt. Dennis Velez, commanding officer of USS San Jacinto. "Their hard work during our compressed and ever changing schedule makes me proud of each and every one of them."
Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship's company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
"Since this ship is so small, I had to learn my job really fast, and I enjoy gaining that experience," said Garis. "I also like that I made a lot of friends.”
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Garis and other San Jac sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
"I am a lot more responsible since joining the Navy," said Garis. "I have learned how to supervise people and a lot about my trade."
This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 9:23 AM with the headline "Hawkinsville native serves aboard USS San Jacinto."