Shown here is Navy Commander Joe Abrutz.

Cameron native named commander of stealth vessel USS Kansas City

Cameron native Joe Francis Abrutz lll recently visited his parents, Joe and Debbie Abrutz. Joe is a Commander aboard the USS KANSAS CITY, based in San Diego.

Joe Said he developed an interest in naval history at a young age and always wanted to be a member of the United States Navy. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a degree in Economics. He also earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Loyola University in Maryland.

Prior to the USS KANSAS CITY, Joe served aboard several other ships. He was the Communication Officer and EKMS Manger on the USS COMSTOCK, Damage Control Assistance and INSURV  ( inspection and survey) Coordinator on the USS JARRETT.

Afterwards he was Chief Engineer and Future Operations Officer and Future Operations Officer aboard the USS ROSS. Altogether, Joe has completed deployments to both the Western and Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean.

On shore duty, Joe has served in the Persian Gulf as an action officer in Bahrain with the United States Naval Center Command Here he coordinated with the United States Army on anti-terrorism training.

He then spent time at ATG MAYPORT (Afloat training group near Baltimore) as the Deputy Director for Engineering and Director for Combat Systems. In addition, Joe spent time at the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor in Seamanship and Navigation.

Joe now serves as Commander aboard one of the Navy’s newest ships, the USS KANSAS CITY. The ship was built in Mobile (AL) and was commissioned on June 20, 2020. It is an Independence Class Littoral (near shore) Combat ship at a length of 418 feet.

The littoral ships are designed for speed and stealth operations. Their unique design makes them very difficult for enemy radar to detect. They are also used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

They are also designed for anti-submarine combat and eventually the KANSAS CITY boast mine-sweeping capability. Weapons aboard the ship include a M110, 57 mm Deck Gun, ,50 caliber machine gun mounts, M240 Machine Gun Mounts and will soon be adding Naval Strike Missile Systems. In addition, the ship has a landing pad and carries two heavily-armed helicopters which can also be used for transport and attack.

Joe is the Executive Officer aboard the USS KANSAS CITY and expects to be with the ship at least 6 additional months. Afterwards he will attend the Naval War College in Rhode Island, then await assignment to his next ship.

Asked about our naval capability in a major war, Joe responded that he has “great confidence” in today’s Navy. He went on to say the Navy has “made great strides tactical development and innovation which would perform well in major combat.”

Joe reports that morale is high aboard the ship including both sailors and Marine elements stationed aboard the ship. Asked about the ship’s performance at sea, Joe said that the ship “travels best” at full speed, 40 knots. It be a rougher ride at slow speed.

Joe is married to wife Lauren and they have three children, Joe IV who is 5, Marine (4) and Mary (2). They reside off-base in San Diego. Joe is a devoted family man. Following military service, Joe hopes to “settle down” in one place and provide stability for the family.

He wants to someday “be his own boss” and expresses interest in working with young people, perhaps in sports. Joe is a bright and confident young man who is a credit to his country and his family.

 

Trending Video

My Cameron News

BB Highway
P.O. Box 498
Cameron, MO 64429
PHONE: (816) 632-6543
FAX: (816) 632-4508
Email: editor@mycameronnews.com

Privacy Policy
 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed