{"id":15033,"date":"2026-11-08T13:57:55","date_gmt":"2026-11-08T22:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inedc.com\/26\/?p=15033"},"modified":"2026-11-08T13:57:55","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T22:57:55","slug":"placerville-sailor-earns-navy-achievement-medal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inedc.com\/26\/news\/placerville-sailor-earns-navy-achievement-medal\/","title":{"rendered":"Placerville Sailor Earns Navy Achievement Medal"},"content":{"rendered":"

From Placerville to the high seas<\/h3>\n

PLACERVILLE, Calif. \u2014 A young man who graduated from Union Mine High School just three years ago is now serving aboard one of the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyers, where his technical abilities have earned him recognition for helping restore a critical weapons system during deployment operations.<\/p>\n

Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Pipes, a Placerville native and 2023 Union Mine graduate, serves as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Mahan (DDG 72), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.<\/p>\n

Pipes joined the Navy approximately three years ago, motivated in large part by a desire to travel and experience life beyond the community where he grew up.<\/p>\n

The transition from a small Northern California community to military life introduced him to a very different world.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on that transition, Pipes described one of the lessons he learned as having to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” The experience, he said, showed him just how big the world is.<\/p>\n

For a young sailor from El Dorado County, that perspective has become part of a career that combines technical training, responsibility and service at sea.<\/p>\n

Recognition for repairing a critical weapons system<\/h3>\n

Pipes recently received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his technical skill in repairing the USS Mahan’s five-inch gun after the weapon system experienced a breakdown during active deployment operations.<\/p>\n

The recognition highlights the importance of the technical work performed by the ship’s Gunner’s Mates.<\/p>\n

A five-inch naval gun is a major component of a destroyer’s weapons capabilities. Its operation depends on complex mechanical, electrical and supporting systems that must remain functional in demanding maritime environments.<\/p>\n

When equipment fails, sailors responsible for those systems must identify the problem, assess the damage and perform the necessary repairs to restore operational capability.<\/p>\n

Pipes’ work on the gun demonstrated the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities required of his rating.<\/p>\n

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal recognizes meritorious achievement or service by members of the armed forces. For Pipes, the award represents recognition of work performed far from his hometown and under the demands of operational Navy service.<\/p>\n

Life aboard the USS Mahan<\/h3>\n
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Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Comerford<\/a><\/p>\n
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DVIDS – Images – USS Mahan Departs for Deployment [Image 4 of 10]<\/a><\/p>\n
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The USS Mahan is the 22nd ship in the Navy’s Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. According to the Navy, these multi-mission vessels are designed to conduct sustained combat operations, provide protection for aircraft carriers and amphibious forces, and operate independently when necessary.<\/p>\n

The ship carries a sophisticated combination of offensive and defensive weapons, including:<\/p>\n