Greencastle native serving aboard USS Sterett

Thursday, April 6, 2017
A 2011 Greencastle High School graduate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Mitchell Robinson is now a gas turbine systems technician aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett.
Courtesy of U.S. Navy

SAN DIEGO – A 2011 Greencastle High School graduate and Greencastle native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Mitchell Robinson is a gas turbine systems technician (electrical) aboard the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer operating out of San Diego.

A Navy gas turbine electrician is responsible for ship’s propulsion.

“I like that my job allows me to work with different people,” Robinson said.

Commissioned in August of 2008, Sterett measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. Sterett is the fourth ship to be named after Lt. Andrew Sterett, a U.S. naval officer who fought in the Quasi and Barbary wars.

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.

With a crew of more than 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.

“I like that the ship helps with making sure the sailors excel through training and qualifications,” said Robinson.

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.

“I joined the Navy to stand up for what I believe in,” said Robinson.

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