By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Rae
Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2002
Cathedral High School graduate and Los Angeles native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Ross.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Raphael Hernandez is a gas turbine
systems technician (mechanical) 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 fixing the ship's engines.
“As the ship's 'oil king' I
ensure we have enough fuel and lube oil to keep the ship going," said Hernandez. "It is rewarding
to know the impact I am making."
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 meeting so many
different types of people aboard the ship," said Hernandez. "There is a lot of diversity onboard
the USS Ross."
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, Hernandez explained that he and
other Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond
their lifetimes.
“Not everyone gets to see the
world and live over seas," said Hernandez. "Being out to sea and looking out at the stars in the
sky, I feel like part of an exclusive club. Not everyone gets to see that."