By Navy
Office of Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain –
An Eleanor Roosevelt High School graduate
and Corona, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh
Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Donald
Cook.
Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Himbert is a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) 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 gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) is
responsible for working on the same engines that
are on jet planes, but modified for marine life.
“The thing I like best about my job is teaching the
younger guys about the job,” said Himbert.
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.
“We have a really good captain who genuinely cares
about his crew,” said Himbert.
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, Himbert and other Donald Cook
sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“My favorite part of being in the Navy is the
opportunity to help with disasters and being a hands-on responder,” said
Himbert. “Being able to
help people is meaningful to me.”