Pope John grad serving on USS Gunston Hall

NORFOLK, VA — A 2014 Pope John XXIII High School graduate and Sandyston, New Jersey native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Gunston Hall.
Midshipman 3rd Class Nicole Sarao is aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy midshipman is responsible for developing Navy knowledge and experience while home from college during the summer.
“I've been following around engineers aboard the ship and have spent a lot of time in steering and checking valves,” Sarao said.
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, 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 my first ship and so it has been interesting to observe the combination of the flight deck and well deck and the versatile operations it can handle,” Sarao said.
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, Sarao and other Gunston Hall sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“I really like the morals and values that are upheld by the Navy, and I have a lot of pride in my country,” Sarao said. “I really like what the Navy stands for."