By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Rae
Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2008 West
Lincoln High School graduate and Lincolnton,
North Carolina native is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Ross.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Wesley Owens is an operations specialist
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 operations specialist
is responsible for safe navigation and
identification of vessels and other objects near a ship.
“There is always something to
do," said Owens. "It keeps me busy and no two days are the same. Without operation
specialists, we wouldn't know who is an enemy to engage or just a fishing
vessel, I take pride in playing that important role in the ship's mission."
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 enjoy seeing Europe and
being stationed here in Spain," said Owens. "I like knowing that if a conflict were to occur
we'd be the first ones to respond."
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, Owens explained that he and other
Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“I feel like it should be
everyone's duty to give back to the country because the country gives so much
freedom to us,” added Owens.