A 2010 Johnston County Middle College High School, North Carolina graduate, and Parkesburg native, is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the country’s newest and most versatile combat ships.
Ensign Alexander Schiller is a first lieutenant and a member of Crew 204, also known as the “Royal Punch,” who serve aboard littoral combat ships based in San Diego.
A Navy first lieutenant is responsible for the deck division aboard the littoral combat ships.
“There is a lot I like about my job,” said Schiller. “The people are interesting and diverse. Everyone comes from a different background so there is a lot to learn.”
Schiller is part of a 53 person crew, one of several crews that rotate between USS Independence and USS Coronado, as part of a unique crewing concept called “3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships, one of which is deployed. This innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy officials.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, the Independence variant of littoral combat ships are 419 feet long and weigh nearly 3,100 tons fully loaded. Twin gas turbine engines push the ships through the water at more than 40 miles per hour.
“I like the command culture here,” said Schiller. “Everyone has a square head on their shoulders. Everyone has a job to do and they get it done. You can trust that everyone is going to do their job, which is important because you already have a lot to handle.”
According the Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18 month training pipeline, sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping onboard.
“Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the LCS mission,” said Captain Warren R. Buller, Commander, LCS Squadron One. “The training that is required of our sailors is rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission ready to defend and protect America at all times.”
As a crewmember aboard one of the Navy’s newest ships, Schiller explained they are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. Crewmembers know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“Joining the Navy was a dream of mine in high school,” said Schiller. “Now, at the end of the day I know I am accomplishing something. No matter how long I serve, I know I got myself here and was able to succeed.”
Through innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it matters.
