Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2005 Danville Senior High School graduate and Danville, Pennsylvania, 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 sonar technician (surface) is responsible for the search, tracking and weapons prosecution of enemy submarines in support of the regional and national security mission.
Lee credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Danville.
“I have learned that hard work leads to success,” said Lee.
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 Lee, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lee is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My maternal grandfather served in the Marine Corps, paternal grandfather served in the Army and my adopted grandfather served in the Coast Guard,” said Lee. “I wanted to continue the line of service.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lee has found many great rewards.
Lee is proud of earning Sailor of the Year for his last command and Sailor of the Quarter for 3rd Quarter for the Carney.
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, Lee and other Carney sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I have learned valuable leadership skills as the leading petty officer of the sonar division,” said Lee. “Being in Spain, I truly value the weath of culture and travel opportunities we have throughout Europe.”
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