A Laurel, MD, native and 2008 Laurel High School graduate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayobami Ogunsola, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy.
Ogunsola works as a yeoman aboard the guided missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy yeoman is an administrative assistant responsible for assisting the captain and executive officer of the ship with all correspondence.
“My job has a lot of face time with the triads, so I get my work noticed often and am appreciated,” said Ogunsola.
With the ability to conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare, destroyers are capable of sustained maritime operations supporting forward naval presence, maritime security, sea control, deterrence of aggressive actions on U.S. partners around the globe, and humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power at and from the sea.
“Service at sea onboard a Navy destroyer is an incredible experience,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Heely Jr., commanding officer of USS Michael Murphy. “The extraordinary performance of Michael Murphy is made possible by the sailors that man her on a daily basis. Team Murphy is comprised of 350 talented sailors from across our country. They are all resilient and dedicated professionals who strive each and every day to uphold the strong legacy of our namesake, Lt. Michael P. Murphy. I'm proud of their teamwork and commitment to the mission.”
The men and women serving aboard the ship have highly specialized jobs and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly. They do everything from to maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis Combat System to driving the ship and operating small boats.
“Since this is a small boat, I like that we get to go out to sea often and are able to enjoy port visits,” said Ogunsola. “Of course, Lt. Murphy is our namesake, and that is pretty awesome.”
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. 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 means adventure,” added Ogunsola. “I get to go out and serve the country, meet new people and represent the United States.”