By , Navy
Office of Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain –
A Woodbridge, Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Petty Officer 3rd Class RJ Raphael Calaguas 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 preparing different food for the crew.
“I like that we are in Spain serving abroad,”
said Calaguas. “I enjoy being able to travel all over
Europe.”
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.
“Being able
to serve in the Navy feels great because I am
the first person in my family to serve in the military,” said Calaguas. “I am able to
give back and travel and see the world.”
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, Calaguas and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a
legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“Being able
to serve my country is the reason I joined,” said Calaguas. “It is an honor that I take seriously.”