By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2009 Capistrano Valley High School graduate
and Orange County, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Fireman Sara Pedraza is a damage controlman 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.
A Navy damage controlman is responsible for training the
crew to ensure the ship is safe and can properly use firefighting equipment.
“I really enjoy how busy we are," said Pedraza. "I am always running around
the ship maintaining equipment and providing training, I rarely sit down! It
makes the days very exciting."
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 ship does a great job of welcoming people and making
sure everyone feels at home,” said Pedraza.
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, Pedraza explained that she and other Donald Cook sailors know they are
part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I have always thought serving your country is a symbol of
why America is so great," added Pedraza. "I am glad that
I get to be a part of that."