RELEASE FROM Navy Office of Community Outreach:
SAN DIEGO – An Albany, New York, native and 2008 Columbia High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Decatur.
Petty Officer 1st Class Vinish Nair is a yeoman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of San Diego.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for administrative and clerical work for the ship such as correspondence, evaluations and awards.
Nair credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up inAlbany.
“I learned to work hard and be persistent,” said Nair. “Hard work and constant determination are the keys to success in the Navy.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
“The success of the Decatur is due to the dedication and ownership each member of the crew feels towards making Decatur the best ship on the waterfront,” said Cmdr. Bob Bowen, commanding officer of USS Decatur. “Our team is always ready to accomplish the mission because of the commitment each sailor has to maintaining high standards and sound shipboard operating principles. Every team member knows their roles and responsibilities and does their part to ensure success.”
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups. Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
The ship has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions, according to Navy officials. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Nair, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Nair is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have an uncle who served in the Indian Army,” said Nair. “His support was reassuring that I made the right decision.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nair and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy has helped me grow personally and professionally while providing a foundation for me to take care of my wife and family,” added Nair.
Photo: US Navy