New Milford native serves aboard one of the U.S. Navy’s first ‘Stealth Ships’

A 2015 Blue Ridge High School graduate and New Milford, Pennsylvania native is serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Seaman Sean Canfield is a ship’s serviceman assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine.

As a ship’s serviceman, Canfield is responsible for providing items for health and comfort, giving haircuts and cleaning, and pressing uniforms for all sailors onboard the ship.

“I manage all the services for the sailors on the ship,” said Canfield, adding, “I raise money for the ships’ Morale and Recreation program which in return, promotes crew moral with holiday parties and various land events.”

DDG 116 is currently undergoing tests and trials in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Navy from shipbuilder Bath Iron Works. Arleigh Burke class destroyers measure approximately 500 feet long and are powered by four gas turbines that allow the ship to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. 

Destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required war fighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute a variety of missions.

“Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his element leader, the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat, Ensign Jesse L. Brown,” said Commander Nathan W. Scherry, commanding officer to PCU Thomas Hudner. 

He added, “On May 7, 2012, Secretary Mabus announced that DDG 116 would be named in Captain Hudner’s honor. Today, as the Navy’s finest 300 Sailors crew the 66th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, they do so with a tremendous amount of honor, pride, and sense of duty. We are extremely honored to be able to carry Captain Hudner’s values and legacy forward so that they are never forgotten. We are proud to be able to carry out our missions in defense of our country’s freedom and values, and humbled to be part of the Hudner family.”

Canfield has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.

“My family taught me to always strive for success,” said Canfield, adding, “When there’s a challenge, do whatever it takes to overcome that challenge. Everything happens for a reason, and the outcome will bring a better place.”

With a crew of over 300 sailors, each crewmember’s job is important to the smooth operation of the ship. The jobs range from weapon handling to navigation.

Canfield’s proudest accomplishment was deploying to Joint Warrior / Formidable Shield for two months.

“During deployment, my personal drive and work ethic resulted in the ship’s store exceeding tens of thousand of dollars,” he added.

Close living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. 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 newest ships, Canfield and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I enjoy being able to project the Naval force beyond our shores to any part of the world and to protect the people that aren’t able to,” said Canfield.

The construction of the ship is over 98 percent complete. The ship is scheduled for commissioning in late 2018 in Boston, Mass. 

For more information about the commissioning, visit www.usshudnerddg116.org.