Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2012 Caesar Rodney High School graduate and Dover, Delaware, native is serving our country in the Navy, living on the coast of Spain, and participating in a critical NATO ballistic missile defense (BMD) mission while assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross.
A Navy quartermaster is responsible for building voyage plans, executing special evolutions and the safe navigation of the ship.
Vautard credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Dover.
“I grew up near an Air Force base, which gave me insight on how the military works,” said Vautard.
These four destroyers are forward-deployed in Rota to fulfill the United States’ phased commitment to NATO BMD while also carrying out a wide range of missions to support the security of Europe.
According to the NATO website, many countries have, or are trying to develop ballistic missiles. The ability to acquire these capabilities does not necessarily mean there is an immediate intent to attack NATO, but that the alliance has a responsibility to take any possible threat into account as part of its core task of collective defense.
U.S. Navy Aegis ballistic missile defense provides scalability, flexibility and mobility. These systems are equally beneficial to U.S. assets, allies and regional partners in all areas of the world. Positioning four ballistic missile defense ships in Spain provides an umbrella of protection to forward-deployed forces, friends and allies while contributing to a broader defense of the United States.
Guided-missile destroyers are 510 feet long warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. The ships are armed with tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced gun systems, close-in gun systems and long-range missiles to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
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 necessity for everything the Navy does. The Navy cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
The ship is named after Capt. Donald Kirby Ross, who was presented a Medal of Honor by Adm. Chester Nimitz for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“I'm proud to lead such a dedicated, experienced, resilient and mission-oriented crew,” said Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo, commanding officer of USS Ross. “Team Ross always meets the mission while taking care of each other and having a fun time doing it.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Vautard, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Vautard is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Air Force and my cousin is currently serving in the Navy,” said Vautard. “My cousin, Logan, influenced my decision to serve because of the benefits and traveling.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Vautard has found many great rewards.
Vautard is proud of earning two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals as well as receiving a designation letter for master helmsman, a qualification only given by the commanding officer.
Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew of more than 300 women and men aboard Ross. Their hard work and professionalism are a testament to the namesake's dedication and the ship's motto, "Fortune Favors Valor." 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.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Vautard and other Ross sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy has aided my professional development by working with people from all over the world and has helped me with branching out by learning new things and traveling worldwide,” said Vautard.
Living in Spain while serving aboard the Ross has been a positive impact on the ship’s sailors, including Vautard.
“My favorite thing about serving in Spain has to be learning their language and their culture,” added Vautard.