An Ocean Away, New York City 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 2002 Archbishop Stepinac Catholic School graduate and New York City 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 1st Class Armando Rodriquez is a gunner's mate 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 gunner's mate is responsible for all weapons systems, ordnance, weapons handling and all other associated equipment on the ship.

Rodriquez credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in New York City.

“I learned how to work with a diverse group of people, which translates well to the Navy,” said Rodriquez.

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

“My father and uncle both served in the Army,” said Rodriquez. “They encouraged me to try something different, so I joined the Navy.”

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

Rodriquez is proud of earning the Sailor of the Year award for the USS Carney and again at Destroyer Squadron 60. He was very honored to be recognized for his hard work.

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, Rodriquez 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 molded me into a leader. I have been taught patience and have been challenged to grow into a more motivated and devoted individual,” said Rodriquez. “I have really enjoyed being a part of this crew and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished.”