Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2008 New Milford High School graduate and New Milford, Connecticut, 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 Donald Cook.
“If a Navy corpsman could fabricate human organs, that's kind of what I do, but for machines,” said Chagas. “Machinery repairmen use a combination of math, machinery, tinkering, madness, and a little magic to manufacture parts, engrave materials and repair parts needed for the ship.”
Chagas credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in New Milford.
“Having spent half my life in two different countries gave me a certain perspective and really sparked my wonder and curiosity,” said Chagas. “It's not easy to be from all kinds of places, but I learned early on to adapt and think of life as an ongoing narrative full of suprises.”
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 Chagas, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Chagas is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My sister is also in the Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Chagas. We were at Recruit Training Command at the same time,” said Chagas. “Although we are in different communities and our Navy experiences are very different, being in the Navy allows us to share a relatively similar life experience that is unlike what most people experience.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Chagas has found many great rewards.
“For me, the most meaningful achievement is knowing that I contributed to something; inspiration, empowerment, support, encouragement or knowledge to my fellow service members, that brought them closer to the success and fulfilment they seek," she said.
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 USS Donald Cook. 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, Chagas and other USS Donald Cook sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy has defintely empowered me to pursue what I love, to apply discipline and perseverance to my goals, to stand up for what matters, to pave the way and find solutions to varying complex issues that arise and may not seem as complicated at first glance,” said Chagas.
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