Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2007 Rockwall High School graduate and Dallas 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 Carney.
A Navy gas turbine systems technician (electrical) is responsible for the maintenance of the gas turbine generators and it's corresponding switch boards.
Fossier credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Dallas.
“Growing up back home, I learned to have a hard work ethic, which has really helped me strive in the Navy,” said Fossier. “I've always been outgoing and energetic, but that's what I brought from home.”
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 Adm. Robert Bostwick Carney, who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration.
“We have an outstanding team here and I am honored to lead one of the finest, most capable crews in the U.S. Navy,” said Cmdr. Tyson Young, commanding officer of USS Carney. "Their continued efforts keep us as an integral part of U.S. 6th Fleet's presence in the region.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Fossier, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Fossier is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers, my uncle and my cousin have served in all different branches of the military,” said Fossier. “I already wanted to serve, but my family helped me on which branch to join.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Fossier has found many great rewards.
Fossier is proud of earning two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals as well as serving as a religious programs specialist serving alongside Marines.
Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew of more than 300 women and men aboard Carney. Their hard work and professionalism are a testament to the namesake's dedication and the ship's motto, "Resolute, Committed, Successful." 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, Fossier and other Carney sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy has made me grow up and mature much faster," said Fossier. "Sometimes the choices that we have to make can be a life or death decision.”
Living in Spain while serving aboard the Ross has been a positive impact on the ship’s sailors, including Fossier.
“My favorite part about serving in Spain is my house that I was able to get," he added. "Being able to have a place right on the beach is amazing. I knew it would bring my family so much joy when they would visit, especially my mother. She is a beach girl at heart.”
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