USS South Dakota crew member gets a special surprise during Mitchell visit

USS South Dakota Fire Control Technician Dylan Cain was among a group of ten crew members visiting Mitchell Sunday on their way to Sturgis. He says the murals caught his attention. “That’s one of the most creative things I’ve ever seen with the South Dakota on it,” Cain said. “I thought it was amazing.”

Cain joined the Navy in 2015 and is considered a USS South Dakota “plank owner”. “Basically were are the first crew, so we man the ship and bring her to life,” said Cain. “The first-time ever was an amazing experience.”

He says seeing South Dakota while riding a motorcycle offers a unique perspective. “It’s been one of the most beautiful and peaceful experiences I’ve ever gotten to do,” Cain said. “I love it.”

USS South Dakota Fire Control Technician Dylan Cain(left) meets News Director J.P. Skelly (right). Both hail from Copiague, New York. Skelly is a 1974 graduate while Cain graduated in 2013.

And there was an unexpected surprise: Cain is from Copiague, New York and ran into someone from his hometown: News Director J.P. Skelly. The two graduated from the same high school, 39 years apart. Go Eagles!