Monterey native serving aboard USS Forest Sherman

A Monterey County native is serving aboard the USS Forrest Sherman, considered to be one of the world’s most versatile multi-mission combat ships, according to U.S. Navy officials.

Christian Harris of Monterey is a deck seaman aboard the Norfolk-based ship, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

The ship is nearly 510 feet long, 66 feet wide and weighs more than 9,200 tons. Twin gas turbine engines can push the ship through the water at more than 30 mph.

USS Forrest Sherman is named for Admiral Forrest Percival Sherman, and is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name.

Harris, 20, tells a spokesperson with the Navy that the experience is teaching him a lot about himself as a leader, sailor and person.

When I arrived on the ship I didn’t know what to expect, but the sailors in my division were very patient with me and I appreciate that,” said Harris.

An estimated 34 officers and 253 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company.