By U.S. Navy Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of
Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2000 Box Elder High School graduate and Williard,
Utah native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer,
USS Donald Cook.
Chief Petty Officer Kevin Heil is a machinery repairman
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 machinery repairman is responsible for manufacturing
and repairing equipment on board the ship from air conditioners to pump shafts.
“Interacting with sailors and training the future of the
Navy gives me a great deal of satisfaction," said Heil. "In our job, we are able to teach
other job fields more about their equipment."
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.
“After serving in the Pacific Ocean for much of my career,
this is my first tour in the Atlantic Ocean so I am getting the opportunity to
see so many new ports," said Heil. "I feel the excitement of being a junior sailor again."
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, Heil explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part
of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“Giving back to our country is important to me, and it’s
afforded my family so many opportunities,” added Heil.