By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2008 Kirby High School graduate and Memphis,
Tennessee native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile
destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Petty Officer 3nd Class DeOnte Holmes is a logistics
specialist aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile
destroyer operating out of Rota, Spain. Donald Cook is one of four destroyers
homeported in Rota.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for logistic and
supply ordering and tracking on the ship.
“It’s a lot like working at FedEx back home," said Holmes. "We order and
track the supply chain for the ship. Knowing that you are able to help people
get the job done feels really good."
Commissioned in 1998, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile
destroyer, Donald Cook, 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 Donald Cook, a Vietnam War prisoner of war who died in
captivity.
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 Donald Cook, three other BMD capable ships are forwarded deployed in Rota:
USS Porter, USS Carney and USS Ross. 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.
“We do shorter deployment cycles which makes the time away
and in port more enjoyable," said Holmes. "The crew here is great. There is always something
here to keep you smiling throughout the day."
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, Holmes explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are
part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“When I first joined the Navy, my recruiter asked me why I
wanted to serve and I answered, ‘I want to change the world!’ Knowing that I
may have the opportunity to save someone’s life and be remembered for my
actions appealed to me,” said Holmes. “Now I realize that you can change
someone’s life without knowing it. The little things you do to help people can
make an impact.”