Schaumburg sailor serving aboard USS Anzio

A 2015 Schaumburg High School graduate and Schaumburg native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Anzio.

Seaman Apprentice Austin Kendzora is an information systems technician aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

A Navy information systems technician is responsible for maintaining communications from ship to ship.

"Learning new things about computers is the best part of my job," said Kendzora. "Learning things like how to operate a network and how to fix them. Both are good skills to have."

Commissioned in May of 1992, USS Anzio measures approximately 567 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the cruiser to achieve more than 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 Captain Frank X. Castellano, Commanding Officer of USS Anzio (CG 68).

"It takes significant teamwork and dedication to duty in order to achieve this success. Austin was a vital member of team Anzio, who definitely contributed to our mission."

With a crew of more than 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 people aboard the ship are great," said Kendzora.

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 means defending your country and serving the best branch there is," said Kendzora. "Defending our waters and defending our shores is what it's all about."

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