By , Navy
Office of Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain –
An Apple Valley High School graduate and San Diego native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Seaman Israel Alvarez
is a boatswain's mate 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 boatswain's mate is responsible for being a jack of all trades; driving the ship, keeping it looking good and
operational, and specializing in maintaining life saving equipment.
“I like to drive the ship,” said Alvarez. “It's
exciting, especially when we are working
with other ships."
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 that the hands on aspect of being forward-deployed," said Alvarez. "This is my first ship and I like when we are able to go out and see other ports."
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, Alvarez and other Donald Cook
sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their
lifetimes.
“I feel respected and I feel that I am doing something
bigger than myself by serving my country,” said Alvarez.