ON BOARD USS MASON – In November 1997, Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton announced plans for the creation of one of the Navy’s most technologically advanced warships. By April 2003, the ship was complete and USS Mason took its place among the Navy’s fleet of destroyers.

Now, six years later, the ship’s crew is working to build teamwork and create the identity and personality of the USS Mason. Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin McCarron, son of Glenda McCarron of Saco, is part of USS Mason’s crew.

A 1988 graduate of Bangor High School, McCarron enlisted the same year. “I joined for God and country. I also wanted to see as much of the world as I could. I’ve learned a lot about the Navy and my job,” he said. “The most interesting aspect of being on board is watching the crew grow into a great team. A lot of blood and tears brought us here. Being here is my biggest accomplishment.”

As an operations specialist, McCarron’s primary responsibilities include operating radar, navigation and communication equipment in the combat information center and bridge. He also detects and tracks ships, planes and missiles.

Concerning his other duties, MacCarron said, “I’ve been writing instructions and lesson training guides, and training my junior sailors.”

The USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class ship, is the Navy’s 37th Aegis guided missile destroyer. It is equipped with the latest in electronic strike combat weapons systems and reaches a top cruising speed of more than 30 knots, allowing it to conduct prompt sustained combat missions.