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Las Cruces, N.M. native serving aboard U.S. Navy destroyer

  SAN DIEGO – A 2009 Onate High School graduate and Las Cruces, New Mexico native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Milius.

Ensign Joshua Loera is a surface warfare officer  aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer serving as the combat electronics division officer operating out of San Diego, California.

As the combat electronics division officer, Loera is responsible for the radars and internal communications.

“In addition to my primary responsibility working with combat electronics, the most important responsibility I have is making sure my sailors are taken care of,” said Loera.

Commissioned in November of 1996, Milius measures approximately 500 feet 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.

“Leading Milius sailors is exceptionally rewarding because they genuinely care for one another as people,” said Cmdr. Gil Ayan, commanding officer of USS Milius. “They want to see one another succeed and each of them works toward that collective goal. As a commanding officer, you can’t ask for a better culture than that.”

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.

“What I like most about serving aboard this ship is the crew,” said Loera. “We have outstanding leadership.”

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 means I'm able to serve this country," added Loera. "It lets me be part of something bigger than myself."