Fredericksburg, Texas native serves aboard guided missile destroyer in Spain

 By Lt. Philip Fortnam, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain – A 2003 Fredericksburg High School graduate and Fredericksburg, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.

Chief Petty Officer Bobby Benavidez is an operations specialist aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Rota, Spain. Donald Cook is one of four destroyers home ported in Rota.

“I am the air intercept controller supervisor,” said Benavidez. “It’s the opposite of an air traffic controller. They keep distance between planes, I bunch them together. If there is air-to-air combat I tell our guys where the enemy is so they can shoot it down. I like being both an operations specialist and a chief. Best of all is the day to day interactions with junior sailors and seeing them grow."

Commissioned in 1998, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Donald Cook, measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. It was named in honor of Donald Cook, a Vietnam War prisoner of war who died in captivity.

This ship has been fitted with the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability that enables the ship to conduct long-range surveillance, tracking, and engagement of short and medium-range ballistic missiles.

According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.

Assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet, sailors are on watch throughout the European region and are important assets supporting the European Phased Adaptive Approach to enhance the security of that area of the world from ballistic missile threats originating in the Middle East.

In addition to Donald Cook, three other BMD capable ships are forwarded deployed in Rota: USS Porter, USS Carney and USS Ross. Having four destroyers based in Rota gives the U.S. 6th Fleet flexibility to send these ships to a variety of locations for a range of missions, while at the same time providing a large umbrella of protection for European allies.

 Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship's company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.

“I and the rest of the crew interact with foreign navies and NATO forces regularly," said Benavidez.  "We can be called upon in a moments notice. We’re part of the forward deployed naval force. We're always busy."

Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Benavidez explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.

“Serving my country in the Navy has great benefits," added Benavidez. "One of the best is the opportunity to travel."