An Ocean Away, Elwood City 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 Lincoln High School graduate and Elwood City, 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 .

Petty Officer 1st Class Rob Smiley is an information systems technician 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 information systems technician is responsible for ensuring communications systems are working on and off the ship. They are also in charge of all computers and security of information on the ship.

Smiley credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Elwood City.

“I've learned to work hard and always do what is right,” said Smiley.

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 Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam prisoner of war, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Donald G. Cook.

“Donald Cook’s crew is second to none in competency, resiliency and enthusiasm,” said Cmdr. Matthew J. Powel, commanding officer of USS Donald Cook. “This team comes in to work every day ready to accomplish the mission in one of the most demanding sea duty schedules the Navy has to offer and I couldn’t be more proud to be their captain.”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Smiley, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Smiley is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“My grandfather and uncle both served,” said Smiley. “Their stories made me want to experience the travel and rewards of being a sailor.”

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

Smiley is proud of his tour on a minesweeper in Bahrain.

The hard work and professionalism of more than 300 women and men aboard Donald Cook are a testament to the namesake's dedication and the ship's motto, "Faith Without Fear."

Unique experiences build strong fellowship among the crew of more than 300 women and men aboard . Their hard work and professionalism are a testament to the namesake's dedication and the ship's motto, "Faith Without Fear." 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, Smiley and other sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I have learned a lot about computers and many important leadership skills,” said Smiley. “Spain is a beautiful country. I love traveling throughout Europe, practicing my Spanish and trying the local wines.”