Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2013 Pensaola Collegiate High School 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 Carney.
A Navy cryptological technical technician is responsible for the ship's defense by working with intelligence to help leaders make tactical decisions.
Bowens credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Jacksonville.
“You have to be down-to-earth and have thick skin,” said Bowens. “People can be straighforward and you can't let that bother you.”
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 Bowens, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bowens is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My dad was in the Army and my mom was a nurse in the Air Force,” said Bowens. “They encouraged me if I wanted to try new things and see the world, to join the military.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Bowens has found many great rewards.
Bowens is proud of earning a meritorius advacement to petty officer second class in 2017 at her last command. She has also earned her Information Warfare and Air Warfare qualification pins and is currently working toward her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.
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, Bowens 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 with my time-management and taking personal goals seriously. I have been set up for success,” said Bowens. “I love being in Spain and how close-by everything is. The beach is five minutes from my house and I go down every day and watch the sunset.”
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