An Ocean Away, Palm Desert 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 2011 Palm Desert High School graduate and Palm Desert, California, 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 3rd Class Alexandra Marshall is a sonar technician (surface) 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 sonar technician (surface) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's sonar systems to be able to track enemy submarines.

Marshall credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Palm Desert.

“I knew I lacked direction while growing up,” said Marshall. “I saw my brother's motivation and I wanted to be like him.”

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

“My brother Joe joined the Marines. He has always been one of the hardest working people I know,” said Marshall. “He has always helped me understand my options and was integral in my decision to join and adjustement to life in the Navy.”

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

Marshall is proud of earning her first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, which was received after the ship’s last patrol.

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, Marshall and other Carney sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“My motivation and work ethic has increased tremendously. But it's more than that though. When I look at what I'm doing with my life, I finally have something to be proud of,” said Marshall. “My favorite part about living in Spain has been our port visits. They say join the Navy, see the world. I have.”