Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2014 St. Augustine High School graduate and New Orleans 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.
A Navy quartermaster is responsible for building voyage plans, executing special evolutions and the safe navigation of the ship.
Craddock credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in New Orleans.
“Growing up in New Orleans, I learned that you need to pick your battles with discretion,” said Craddock. “You should always maintain respect to the person you're speaking with. It's very easy to get into confrontations.”
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.
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,” said Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo, commanding officer of USS Ross. “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 Craddock, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Craddock is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My great grandfather was in WWII as well as my grandfather on my father's side,” said Craddock. “I actually came into the Navy by means of misfortune. In high school, I wasn't taking care of my academics as I knew I should, so when it came time for graduation, I literally didn't have anywhere to go. Through a sense of urgency that I needed my name to be associated with something positive, I joined the Navy.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Craddock has found many great rewards.
Craddock is proud of earning two meritorious advancements to the ranks of third class and then second class petty officer, as well as having the opportunity to explain the job of a quartermaster to former President Barrack Obama while he was touring the ship.
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, Craddock and other Ross sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I'm proud to lead such a dedicated, experienced, resilient and mission-oriented crew,” said Cmdr. Bryan S. Gallo, commanding officer of USS Ross. “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 Craddock, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Craddock is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My great grandfather was in WWII as well as my grandfather on my father's side,” said Craddock. “I actually came into the Navy by means of misfortune. In high school, I wasn't taking care of my academics as I knew I should, so when it came time for graduation, I literally didn't have anywhere to go. Through a sense of urgency that I needed my name to be associated with something positive, I joined the Navy.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Craddock has found many great rewards.
Craddock is proud of earning two meritorious advancements to the ranks of third class and then second class petty officer, as well as having the opportunity to explain the job of a quartermaster to former President Barrack Obama while he was touring the ship.
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, Craddock and other Ross sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I feel serving in the Navy has made me a better planner. Planning is key," said Craddock. "The same skills I've been taught to meet ship's standards can assist you in your personal life. I really look forward to improving my life through structure and the Navy has helped me with that.”
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