Fulton Native Supports One Of The Navy’s Most Versatile Combat Ships

by Steve Yablonski | February 13, 2018 2:47 pm

Provided by the US Navy
SAN DIEGO – A 2011 G. Ray Bodley High School graduate and Fulton native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the staff aboard Littoral Ship Squadron One, supporting one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Butler is an information systems technician serving in N6 at Littoral Ship Squadron One in San Diego.

An information systems technician is responsible for keeping the ship’s communications, networks and computer systems up and running.

“I grew up in a household where I was encouraged to continually learn about computers,” said Butler. “I have taken the computer expertise I gained growing up and have added to that with more education and experience in the Navy.”

The ship’s technological benefits allow for swapping mission packages quickly, meaning sailors can support multiple missions, such as surface warfare, mine warfare or anti-submarine warfare.

Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from traditional Navy shipbuilding programs.

The LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.

“Every single day our LCS surface warriors prove they are the best and the brightest – and let me tell you, they love their ships,” said Capt. M. Jordan Harrison, Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. “LCS are fast, agile, maneuverable and the minimal crew manning affords leadership and qualification opportunities you won’t get anywhere else in the Navy. Visit one of our ships and you will see ensigns and chiefs at the helm because that is just how highly trained and talented and motivated our officers and sailors are in the LCS community.”

As one of the staff members at LCSRON supporting one of the Navy’s newest ships, Butler explained they are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Staff members know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war-fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.

Butler’s proudest accomplishment was earning his enlisted surface warfare qualification.

Through innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it matters.

“Serving in the Navy has taught me how to communicate effectively and work as part of a team,” Butler said. “Serving at this command is special because I have the opportunity to support such a large number of people and commands.”

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/fulton/fulton-native-supports-one-of-the-navys-most-versatile-combat-ships/

---