By Navy
Office of Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain –
A Jamacia High School graduate and Queens, New York
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Nyja Allen 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 like the way people feel about the food I prepare,”
said Allen.
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 I love the
people I work with,” said Allen.
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, Allen and other Donald Cook
sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“I feel honored to serve,” said Allen. "My
grandfather also served so I am carrying on his legacy and making a new one for
myself."