Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 1994 Sandalwood High School and 1998 Florida State University graduate and Jacksonville, Florida, 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.
Gallo credits his success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in a military family.
“Being a Navy brat myself, I grew up all over, but growing up as military child you learn to adapt to new situations and make the most of opportunities,” said Gallo.
The 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,” Gallo said. “Team Ross always meets the mission while taking care of each other and having a fun time doing it.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gallo, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gallo is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father is a retired chief hull technician and for 22 years we lived all over the country and abroad but we settled in Jacksonville,” said Gallo. “My father didn't inlfuence me at all. He never really pushed it, but was very excited when I made the decision to go to Officer Candidate School.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Gallo has found many great rewards.
“There's a lot to be proud of,” said Gallo. “Commanding this crew, the professionalism through the strikes in Syria and how we performed during our last patrol during flag officer sea training with the Royal Navy. I'm very proud of the accomplishments of this crew”
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, Gallo knows the Ross’ crew is a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, providing the Navy the nation needs.
“You're not going to have a successful Navy career without a lot of professional development. It's just inherent to being a due course surface warfare officer that entails bettering yourself; i.e., a higher education, earning a master's degree, professional military education plus numerous required certifications have all gone hand-in-hand,” said Gallo. “My favorite parts about serving here in Spain have been the cultural opportunities, experiencing the food and seeing the landmarks here in Spain. Plus, the port visits of being forward-deployed to Naval Forces Europe. We've gone to a lot of cool places like the Black Sea, Iceland, Norway and the Arctic Circle.”
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