By Lt. Philip Fortnam, Navy Office of Community
Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2013 Hinsdale South High School graduate and Willowbrook, Illinois
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS
Donald Cook.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Samantha Canchola is a gunner's mate 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 gunner's mate
operates and maintains all gunnery equipment, guided-missile launching systems,
rocket launchers, guns, turrets and associated equipment. They test ammunition
and missiles. Gunner’s mates also train and supervise personnel in the handling
and stowage of ammunition and missiles.
“I like shooting the guns," said Canchola. "It's exhilarating to know I maintained a particular weapon and it works
perfectly."
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 really enjoy the camaraderie on this ship and in my rating," said Canchola. "I don't think you get to feel this much camaraderie in many other places."
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, Canchola explained that she and
other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last
beyond their lifetimes.
“Since joining the Navy, I've been able to see the
world and that has given me tremendous experiences," added Canchola. "It is a powerful feeling to be
able to go to other countries and make a positive difference."