Who am I? Leading Petty Officer Second Class Joshua D. Krauth

ATLANTIC OCEAN

12.12.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mutis A Capizzi 

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

In the United States Navy, leading petty officer (LPO) is a title usually given to a First Class Petty Officer, designating them as the “go-to person” in the work center.

An LPO is chosen on leadership ability and technical knowledge of their job, and as such is the case with Petty Officer Second Class Joshua Krauth.

The LPO is responsible for leading Sailors in the division to accomplish their mission, as well as assisting the upper chain of command with administrative tasks.

Kruath, a native of Panama City, Fla., serves as LPO of the assault shop on board the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). He attended A. Crawford Mosley High School in Panama City, Fla., and at age 22 he enlisted in the Navy. He operates, maintains and repairs ship propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment and outside machinery which includes the ship’s steering engines, hoisting machinery, food preparation equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, elevators and laundry equipment.

“I am responsible for assigning the watch rotations and making sure my Sailors are doing their job,” said Krauth. “A lot of meetings and planning goes on behind the scenes to make sure the work is getting done. I also serve as the communicator between my Sailors and the upper chain of command. when I got here four and a half years ago I didn’t expect that I would one day be the LPO of the assault shop, but life throws you curve balls sometimes.”

Krauth said it has been a challenge, but at the same time, a great opportunity that he is proud to experience.

“I like this job because I get to see how things really work behind the scenes,” said Krauth. “I get to learn about the plant and auxiliary systems, which has a lot of application in and out of the Navy.”

After seven years in the Navy, Krauth said the best advice he can give his Sailors is to temper expectations, especially in the beginning of an enlistment. A Sailor may not always get what they want or get to be home; don’t set yourself up for failure with a bad attitude. Krauth said it is important to do the job, get the qualifications needed and make yourself a better Sailor; remembering to make some friends and have a good time while you’re doing it.

“I am thinking of working for [Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA)] and being a government inspector after I am out of the Navy” said Krauth.”NAVSEAengineers build buy and maintain the Navy’s ships, submarines and their combat systems. “I would like to be the person who writes procedures and implements changes.”

• Date Taken: 12.12.2016
• Date Posted: 12.13.2016 13:32
• Story ID: 217430
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN