By Lt. Philip Fortnam, Navy Office of Community
Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2011 North Augusta High School and North Augusta, South Carolina native is serving in the U.S.
Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Ensign Vanda Johnson is an officer aboard the
forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of
Rota, Spain. Donald Cook is one of four destroyers home ported in Rota.
Johnson is the ship’s electrical
officer making sure all electrical equipment on the ship works correctly or is
promptly repaired. She holds a degree in mathmatics from Savannah State
University and says mathmatics is all about critical thinking and
troubleshooting on electrical equipment on the ship uses her critical thinking
skills.
“When working with my guys
solving problems it’s interesting to see how they troubleshoot," said Johnson. "They are smart
and go-getters. All the different perspectives help resolve the problems."
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.
“I love the travel," said Johnson. "A year
ago I never thought I would have seen as much of the world as I have. I’ve been
to several ports already."
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, Johnson explained that she and
other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last
beyond their lifetimes.
“I'm the first in my family
to serve," added Johnson. "Both my brother and I are serving in the Navy. My family is very
proud of us. We are setting an example and planning to start tradition of Navy
service."