Willard, Utah native serves aboard guided missile destroyer in Spain
http://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2016/05/willard-utah-native-serves-aboard.html
by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Rae Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain – A 2000 Box Elder High School graduate and Williard, Utah native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook.
Chief Petty Officer Kevin Heil is a machinery repairman 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 machinery repairman is responsible for manufacturing and repairing equipment on board the ship from air conditioners to pump shafts.
“Interacting with sailors and training the future of the Navy gives me a great deal of satisfaction," said Heil. "In our job, we are able to teach other job fields more about their equipment."
Commissioned in 1998, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Donald Cook, measures approximately 500 feet and is powered by four gas turbines that allow the destroyer to achieve over 30 mph in open seas. It was named in honor of Donald Cook, a Vietnam War prisoner of war who died in captivity.
This ship has been fitted with the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability that enables the ship to conduct long-range surveillance, tracking, and engagement of short and medium-range ballistic missiles.
According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.
Assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet, sailors are on watch throughout the European region and are important assets supporting the European Phased Adaptive Approach to enhance the security of that area of the world from ballistic missile threats originating in the Middle East.
In addition to Donald Cook, three other BMD capable ships are forwarded deployed in Rota: USS Porter, USS Carney and USS Ross. Having four destroyers based in Rota gives the U.S. 6th Fleet flexibility to send these ships to a variety of locations for a range of missions, while at the same time providing a large umbrella of protection for European allies.
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, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
“After serving in the Pacific Ocean for much of my career, this is my first tour in the Atlantic Ocean so I am getting the opportunity to see so many new ports," said Heil. "I feel the excitement of being a junior sailor again."
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. 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, Heil explained that he and other Donald Cook sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“Giving back to our country is important to me, and it’s afforded my family so many opportunities,” added Heil.
USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) commissioned 1998 and named in honor of Donald cook, a Vietnam War prisoner of war who died in captivity.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, on March 14th, 2016, to begin her fourth forward-deployed patrol in support of ballistic missile defense of Europe and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to collective defense of allies and partners under Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Donald Cook's forward presence in the 6th Fleet area of Operations, and the ship's participation in theater exercises and port visits with allies and partners will contribute to EUCOM's overarching efforts toward regional stability.
Quick Facts:
Donald Cook's third patrol from July to November 2015 included Underway engagements with the Turkish, Romanian and Ukrainian naval forces, as well as port visits to, Turkey, France, Cyprus and Ukraine, where Donald Cook hosted a reception attended by the Prime Minister of Ukraine; Commander of the Naval Forces Armed Forces of Ukraine; U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine; Minister of Defense of Ukraine; Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. James Foggo III; Commander Task Force 65; Capt. Dromerhauser, and other exercise participants.
Donald Cook's second patrol, completed April, 2015, included underway engagements with French, Ukrainian and Turkish naval forces, as well as port visits to Romania, Bulgaria and Israel.
On its first forward deployed patrol, from March to July 2014, Donald Cook's patrol also included engagements during port visits in Constanta, Romania, where the crew hosted Romanian President Traian Băsescu.
Link to Commanding Officer's bio: http://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg75/Pages/Bio1.aspx
