By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek
SAN DIEGO – A La Mirada, California, native and 2012 Yorba Linda High School in Yorba Linda, California, graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Decatur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Dominguez is a fire controlman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of San Diego.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for maintaining and operating weapons systems, stowage and development ammunition.
Dominguez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in La Mirada.
“I learned commitment in my hometown,” said Dominguez. “When you commit to something you should follow through with it. Where I grew up, they expect you to keep your word and that is important in the Navy, as well.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
“The success of the Decatur is due to the dedication and ownership each member of the crew feels towards making Decatur the best ship on the waterfront,” said Cmdr. Bob Bowen, commanding officer of USS Decatur. “Our team is always ready to accomplish the mission because of the commitment each sailor has to maintaining high standards and sound shipboard operating principles. Every team member knows their roles and responsibilities and does their part to ensure success.”
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups. Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
The ship has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions, according to Navy officials. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
“I like the small boy life because everyone does everyone else's job,” said Dominguez. “I get to do a lot more which allows me to be more involved and learn about a variety of different rates.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Dominguez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I have all the tools I need to build a life,” added Dominguez. “I have everything I need to succeed. There is so much opportunity, you can go anywhere and do anything you want it if you really want it.”