Navy Ensign Patrick Macala is now serving aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Anzio.
Macala, a native of Bainbridge Island and a 2006 graduate of Bainbridge High School, is a main propulsion officer aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. The ship is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
A main propulsion officer is responsible for the well-being of the sailors in the engineering spaces that maintain the ship’s engines and also serves as a liaison between the sailors and their chain of command.
“I enjoy the opportunity to learn new things,” Macala said. “Every day I’m learning something new and different, and something I probably wouldn’t have sought out to learn.
“I continue to be challenged everyday,” he added. “As a philosophy major in college, it is just amazing to see what these sailors do to mechanically operate and upkeep the systems on this ship. There are unlimited opportunities to grow and develop.”
Commissioned in May 1992, the USS Anzio measures approximately 567 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the cruiser to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. Cruisers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance.
The Anzio recently returned from an overseas deployment with the carrier strike group formed around the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, where the group participated in Operation Inherent Resolve, the ongoing military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (also known as ISIS or ISIL).
The ship left Norfolk in November 2015, but its deployment was extended by the Department of Defense in late April for another 30 days of counter-terrorism operations.
“I am very proud of Anzio’s numerous accomplishments during our recent eight-month overseas deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Capt. Frank X. Castellano, commanding officer of USS Anzio. “It takes significant teamwork and dedication to duty in order to achieve this success. Patrick was a vital member of Team Anzio who definitely contributed to our mission.”
The Anzio returned from deployment in mid July.
With a crew of more than 300 sailors aboard the Anzio, jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“The Anzio crew is really closely knit and exceptional professionals,” Macala said. “Everyone is dedicated to the job. This is my first ship so I can’t compare it to anything else, but if this is what the rest of the Navy is like it is certainly something exceptional.”
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. Navy officials said the Anzio’s 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 is the most important thing I’ve done in my life,” Macala said. “It has given me focus. This is also a way to give back to my family and friends in a way I couldn’t have imagined. It has been very rewarding and challenging and I look forward to what comes next.”
