JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Justin Buck of Turner is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane.

Buck is a ship’s serviceman aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

A Navy ship’s serviceman is responsible for managing and supplying the ship’s laundry, vending machines and ship’s store.

“It’s a great job that let’s me interact with the entire crew,” said Buck, who also serves as the ship’s barber when at sea.

O’Kane measures about 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 knots in open seas. According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance.

Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. The crew is highly motivated and quickly adapts to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.

“I joined the Navy to set an example for my little brother,” said Buck. “I wanted to show him that I decided to do something positive in life and I hope that I can be a good role model for him. I wanted to show him that hard work pays off.”