Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2011 Lower Merion High School and 2015 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Philadelphia 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.
A Navy legal officer and administration officer is responsible for assisting the crew and advising the commanding officer on all legal issues that the command may face.
Lemonick credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Philadelphia.
“I learned about hard work from my soccer coaches in high school,” said Lemonick.
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 Lemonick, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lemonick is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Army in WWII,” said Lemonick. “Listing to his stories and seeing his pride influenced my decision to serve.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lemonick has found many great rewards.
Lemonick is proud of earning finalist honors for a Rhodes Scholarship and the Kathryn Davis Fellowship for Peace at Middlebury College Language Schools.
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, Lemonick 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.
“The Navy has provided me a strong foundation in discipline and professionalism. The Navy has also encouraged me to be open-minded and compassionate since I have the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds,” said Lemonick. “I love serving in Spain! The weather is fantastic and the culture and food are incredible. I am also passionate about our missions on the USS Donald Cook. We directly contribute to European and Israeli security and work closely with our international partners to achieve our goals.”
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