By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Rae
Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2013
Jonesboro High School graduate and Jonesboro,
Georgia native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Ross.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Brandon Beal is a gas turbine systems
technician (electrical) 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 gas turbine systems
technician is responsible for working with the electrical components of the ship's engine.
“The people I work with everyday are helpful and teach me," said Beal. "Without the electrical side, the ship wouldn't get
the alarms they need and our systems would fail. That's very important to
keeping the ship running and makes me feel proud."
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.
“Our commanding officer is
very open and approachable," said Beal. "For the sailors on the ship, he is there for us. It
is obvious that he truly cares."
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, Beal explained that he and other
Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“Joining the Navy shows a
certain level of commitment to our country while honoring those who have come
before us," added Beal. "I am proud I have the opportunity to do that."