Daphne native serving aboard USS Anzio

Submitted by the Navy Office of Community Outreach
Posted 8/30/16

NORFOLK – A 2003 Dana Hill, Dana Point High School graduate and Daphne native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Anzio.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Stanfield is …

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Daphne native serving aboard USS Anzio

Posted

NORFOLK – A 2003 Dana Hill, Dana Point High School graduate and Daphne native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Anzio.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Stanfield is a cryptologic technician aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

A Navy cryptologic technician is responsible for providing information to the ship's commanding officer that serves to protect and defend the ship.

“It is great being able to visit places that I never would have had a chance to visit without the Navy,” said Stanfield. “There is a lot of stability for my family, and I work with some great people.”

Commissioned in May of 1992, USS Anzio measures approximately 567 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the cruiser to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. Cruisers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, cruisers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.

"I am very proud of Anzio’s numerous accomplishments during our recent eight-month overseas deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Capt. Frank X. Castellano, commanding officer of USS Anzio. “It takes significant teamwork and dedication to duty in order to achieve this success. Chris was a vital member of Team Anzio who definitely contributed to our mission.”

With a crew of over 300 sailors, jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.

“The crew aboard the ship is top notch,” said Stanfield. “I haven't been here very long, but they have gone through a lot of stuff to be where we are today.”

Challenging 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.

“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to not only provide for my family, but also protect them and make them proud of who I am and what I am doing,” said Stanfield.