An Ocean Away, Evansville 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 2014 F.J. Reitz High School graduate and Evansville, Indiana, 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.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Steffan Hulin is a gas turbine systems technician (electrical) 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 gas turbine systems technician (electrical) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of gas turbine engines that drive and generators that power the ship.

Hulin credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Evansville.

“I've learned how to be able to accept anyone into your life, regardless of race, gender or background,” said Hulin.

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 Hulin, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hulin is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“Both of my grandfathers served in the Navy and my mother and father served in the Army,” said Hulin. “They all enjoyed their time in the service and I wanted to find out if I would too.”

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

Hulin is proud of earning petty officer second class within three and a half years.

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, Hulin 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 helped me to grow as a person and to mature mentally. It also taught me how far a good attitude and strong work ethic can take you,” said Hulin. “I enjoy being in Spain and having the ability to travel all around Europe and experience all the different cultures first-hand.”