GHS grad Codi Duncan serves aboard USS Gunston Hall
NORFOLK, Va. -- A 2012 Greencastle High School graduate and Greencastle native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Gunston Hall.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Codi Duncan is a yeoman aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship operating out of Norfolk, Va.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for administrative support to the crew.
"Being a Yeoman I get the ins and outs of a lot of things and the tasking that I have is interesting day in and day out," Duncan said. "I like customer service. When people walk in having a bad day I like to cheer them up and bring them optimism."
Commissioned in 1989, USS Gunston Hall is 610 feet long. The ship can travel at speed in excess of 20 nautical miles per hour.
Gunston Hall is one of eight Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships currently in service. The ships primary purpose is to launch equipment and personnel for amphibious missions.
"I am intensely proud of the accomplishments of this crew and our maintenance team," said Cmdr. Eric Lull, commanding officer of USS Gunston Hall. "Over the last 20 months, they have made improvements to the ship from stem to stern, and over the last few months specifically, they have brought her back to life. Thanks to their hard work, we are ready to return to sea, and bring Gunston Hall back in to the operational ranks of the fleet."
Approximately 22 officers and 390 enlisted men and women make up the ship's company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the ship running smoothly. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
"This is a small crew so I can generally know who someone is without seeing their name tag," Duncan said. "It is a lot easier to build camaraderie with the smaller crews."
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied upon assets, Duncan and other Gunston Hall sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
"Before I came into the Navy I was going to be a missionary and yet wanted to pursue a career to pay the bills," Duncan said. "The Navy merged that service with a pay check. I can live a life of service."