An Ocean Away, Bronx Native Serves in U.S. Navy, Lives in Europe, Supports NATO Mission

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno

ROTA, Spain – A 2008 Pocano Mountain West High School graduate and Bronx, New York, 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.

Lt. Juan Guzman is an anti-submarine warfare officer aboard one of the four advanced warships forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, a small village on the country’s southwest coast 65 miles south of the city of Seville.

A Navy anti-submarine warfare officer is responsible for safely navigating the ship through the seas and open ocean and leading a group of sailors who are responsible for finding and tracking submarines.

Guzman credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Bronx.

“Being from the Bronx, I had to learn how to interact with people from different backgrounds,” said Guzman. “It has played a huge role towards my success in my Navy career.”

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.”

While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Guzman has found many great rewards.

Guzman is proud of his team's completion of multiple anti-submarine warfare exercises with various countries including: Spain, Morocco, Portugal, England and France.

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, Guzman 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 helped improve me as both a leader and follower. I've developed critical time management skills and the discipline required to get the job done,” said Guzman. “The best things about serving in Spain have been the ability to interact with the navies of different countries, learn a different way of life and the amazing travel opportunities.”