Austin Perry Of Lincoln Maine Serves Aboard The Navy’s USS George Washington

We always like to salute our local military members serving outside of Maine!

Today we say thanks to Navy Petty Officer Austin Perry, of Lincoln, who serves at sea aboard the USS George Washington!

Austin Perry is a  2013 Mattanawcook Academy High School graduate and is currently serving aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington, stationed at a U.S. Navy base located 35 miles south of Tokyo.

Seaman Apprentice Austin Perry is a gunner’s mate aboard the aircraft carrier operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. While out at sea, the ship visits numerous countries each year such as the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Perry said he is proud to serve his country aboard an aircraft carrier in Japan.  “I came in with a small department and it’s like a family,” said Perry. “I left my family for a new one.”

Perry also said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the Washington’s 3,300-member crew, living thousands of miles from home, and protecting America on the world’s oceans.  “We work in the armory and magazines, we deal mostly with guns and we keep the ships weapons up to date and running,” Perry explained.

Assigned to the Navy’s Seventh Fleet, George Washington sailors are continuously on watch throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, acting as one of America’s first responders in the Navy’s largest area of responsibility.

The USS George Washington is one of only 10 currently operational aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy and weighs in at nearly 100,000 tons!  It's something that you won't see in Lincoln, Maine.

“When I joined, I just wanted to get out of town but now I have seen Japan, and it’s been a really great experience,” said Perry. “I have really enjoyed my time in the navy so far and I hope it becomes a life long deal for me.”

Do you know someone serving in the military?  Send us their photo and information and we'll be glad to salute them both on air and online!  Our address is: I95@Midmaine.com