By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain – A Traverse Central High School graduate and Traverse City, Michigan native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Seaman Javane Williams is a cryptologic
technician (technical) 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 cryptologic
technician (technical) is responsible for monitoring and working on radars to keep the ship safe
while deployed.
“I like that my job is important,” said Williams. “I
feel as if I am making a difference.”
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.
“The people on the ship are friendly and always willing
to lend a hand when needed,” said Williams.
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, Williams and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a
legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I get a sense of extreme pride to say I serve in the Navy,” said Williams. “Not
eveyone can do it.”