By Lt. Philip Fortnam,
Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2000 Fergus Falls Community College graduate and Herman, Minnesota
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS
Ross.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Crystal Schmidt
is a sonar technician aboard the
forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of
Rota, Spain. Ross is one of four destroyers home ported in Rota.
A Navy sonar technician
is responsible for the underwater fire-control
system. The system searches for enemy submarines, tracks them, and if necessary
can destroy them.
“Sometimes I hear the
underwater mammal life," said Schmidt. "It's fascinating. I enjoy listening to them."
Commissioned in June of 1997, the Arleigh Burke-class
guided-missile destroyer, Ross, 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 Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Donald K. Ross.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the attack on Pearl
Harbor.
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 Ross, three other BMD capable ships are forwarded
deployed in Rota: USS Porter, USS Carney and USS Donald Cook. 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 really like this ship," said Schmidt. "There
is a sense of family. The officers, chiefs, and everyone cares about each other
and take care of the junior sailors."
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, Schmidt explained that she and
other Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond
their lifetimes.
“This is a honorable and
noble profession and people back home really appreciate us," added Schmidt. "Also, the Navy has
given me the chance to see the world and broaden my experiences."