By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 1996 High School of Fashion Industries graduate
and New York City native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Senior Chief Juan Abreu is a machinist’s mate 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 machinist’s mate is responsible for the all the
mechanical and propulsion systems in the ship.
“It’s a very hands-on job," said Abreu. "As a senior chief I really enjoy
being able to train my reliefs. This field is very applicable in the civilian
world, so it will be an easy transition when I retire in three years."
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.
“The unity in the chief’s mess is very tight-knit, but the
crew as a whole is also very close," said Abreu. "We call ourselves the varsity team because
we’re the best!”
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, Abreu explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are
part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I feel proud because each generation the Navy changes so
much," said Abreu. "The Navy keeps getting better, so I am proud to know what we are doing
today will make the Navy even better for the next generation."