By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Rae
Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2011 The
Marine Academy of Science and Technology graduate and Middletown, New
Jersey native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile
destroyer, USS Ross.
Ensign Christine Conlon
is a first lieutenant 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 first lieutenant
is responsible for preservation of many parts of
the ship including the anchor, the rigid hull inflatable boats and the flight
deck.
“I enjoy always having something
new to participate in," said Conlon. "All of the items I work on are mission critical.
Managing the boats and flightdeck ensure our crew members can get where they
need when we are at sea."
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 like that this ship is a
Forward Deployed Naval Force, it's a very unique experience," said Conlon. "This is a small
crew so the junior officers here are a tight community and we help each other a
lot."
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, Conlon explained that she and
other Ross sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond
their lifetimes.
“Serving the Navy gives me
the opportunity to help a lot of sailors," added Conlon. "For many of them the Navy is a
stepping stone in life and I enjoy helping them find out about the benefits
they can take advantage while serving in the Navy."