By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Rae
Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2014 Coral
Gables Senior High graduate and Miami native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Ross.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Justin Santis 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 making sure the ship's turbines are electrically sound so the ship can move.
“I enjoy working on the
turbines," said Santis. "It's very satisfying to see the turbines function well after I have
been working on them."
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.
“The chain of command here is
fantastic," said Santis. "The commanding officer used to be a chief engineer, so he is very
understanding about our mission requirements and demands."
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, Santis explained that he and
other Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond
their lifetimes.
“I enjoy the sense of
responsibility knowing that you don't only have yourself to worry about, you
have a crew to take care of and that will take care of you,” said Santis.