By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain – A Simeon High
School graduate and Chicago native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh
Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Donald
Cook.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Treandes Walton is a culinary
specialist 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 culinary specialist is responsible for providing nutritious meals to the crew.
“I love that I am able to travel and see the world while serving as a cook aboard this ship,” said Walton.
Commissioned in 1998, the
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Donald
Cook, is 509
feet long; the length of more than 3 football fields. The ship is named after Donald Cook, a Vietnam War prisoner of war who died in
captivity.
Donald Cook is a
tactical multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air submarine
surface warfare in conjunction with being outfitted with aegis ballistic
missile defense capabilities. BMD
enables the ship to conduct long-range surveillance, tracking, and engagement
of short and medium-range ballistic missiles.
"Donald Cook is Sixth Fleet's
premier forward deployed unit with an extremely high operational tempo," said Cmdr. Timothy Moore, commanding officer aboard USS Donald Cook. "My sailors continue to impress me with how hard they work, the pride they
possess and the dedication they show day in and day out in the execution of
their duties. Being able to command a ship with such a great group of
professional Sailors is an enduring honor and a privilege."
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. The jobs range from maintaining engines
to handling weaponry and everything in between.
“I like serving at this command because it is more of a
family atmosphere,”
said Walton.
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living
on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the
crew. 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, Walton and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a
legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“It feels good to say I serve in the Navy because most
people don’t qualify to do it and I do,” said Walton. “So I feel great having the chance to be able
to do it.”