ROTA, Spain – A 2001 South Broward High School graduate and Hollywood, Florida
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS
Ross.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Gina Etienne
is an electronics 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.
“As a Navy electronics
technician I keep the electronic
equipment running so we can stay in the fight,” said Etienne. “I work on the
ship's radar system and everything electronic on the ship.”
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.
“The Navy has been great to me," said Etienne. "I love travel. It's great benefit. I'm loving Spain so far and can't wait to explore the rest of Europe."
“The Navy has been great to me," said Etienne. "I love travel. It's great benefit. I'm loving Spain so far and can't wait to explore the rest of Europe."
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’m enjoying the camaraderie and the people aboard the ship," said Etienne. "I'm new to the ship and everyone from top to bottom is very
helpful. There is a definite closeness on this ship."
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, Etienne explained that she and
other Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond
their lifetimes.
“By serving in the Navy, I’m serving my country and
paying it forward to the next generation of Americans,” said Etienne.