By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2001 Connally High School graduate
and Waco, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile
destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Gutierrez is an
operations specialist 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 operations specialist is responsible for contact
management of surface contacts and air intercept controls to ensure safe
navigation of the ship.
“In my job I get to communicate with the Hornet pilots and
provide them information they need to operate," said Gutierrez. "Not everybody gets to control
fighter pilots; it’s an elite group. I take pride in what I do."
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 Cook has a great area of responsibility," said Gutierrez. "Being able to
see different countries is very exciting. It’s an interesting mission working
with other countries."
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, Gutierrez explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are
part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“A lot of people talk about being patriotic," said Gutierrez. "I’d rather give
my man hours to my country than just give a thank you. I am very proud to be
able to serve."