Philippine Sea - Sunday October 9, 2022: Vero Beach Native Jeremy Scott is serving in the Navy aboard the USS Chancellorsville, now patrolling in the Philippine Sea.
Petty Officer Scott is a Fire Controlman (FC) aboard the Chancellorsville which has been forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Fire controlmen operate and maintain combat and weapons direction systems, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile systems and gun fire control systems aboard U.S. Navy ships.
“I do like my job, as exhausting as it can be sometimes,” said Scott. “The guns require lots of maintenance and thus takes up a lot of my time. But, it keeps me working hard and teaches me how to be mechanically capable and problem solve.”
FCs are a part of Weapons department, directly responsible for the operation and maintenance on a majority of the ship’s defensive and offensive capabilities to include the vertical launch system (VLS), Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), Mark-38 25mm machine guns and various small arms weapons. This ensures the ship can defend itself and proper mission capability.
“We work around the clock,” said Scott. “Maintaining the weapon systems is critical.”
While on deployment, Chancellorsville has contributed to various critical missions in support of regional peace and prosperity. Most recently, Chancellorsville participated in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy to strengthen interoperability and training.
Scott’s time at Chancellorsville is coming to an end. He is up for orders and is selecting commands he would like to work for next.
“Before I leave, my biggest priority is training my junior Sailors to handle themselves when I’m gone,” said Scott. “I also enjoy teaching newer sailors on the ship everything I can so they can feel more comfortable and knowledgeable in regards to ship life and the operations we take part in.”
“I had a background in working with children at the YMCA,” said Scott. “Educating them in after school programs rolled over to the Navy pretty easily, since finding the right teaching methods for different kids is pretty similar to teaching young adults who need a little extra help with learning Navy fundamentals.”
Chancellorsville is working as part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and has operated in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan and Philippine Sea.
Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Stack