Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
ROTA, Spain – A 2013 Zion Benton Township High School graduate and Zion, Illinois, 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.
A Navy gunnery officer is responsible for working with and leading all of the gunner’s mates and fire controlmen onboard the Carney.
Smith credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Zion.
“I've learned to always be encouraging, no matter what,” said Smith. “It will always make a difference to those around you.”
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 Smith, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Smith is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served as a mess specialist in the Navy and my brother is currently a lieutenant junior grade,” said Smith. “My entire life I have been surrounded by the Navy. My dad is someone I've always looked up to. Seeing him serve for 20 years, love it and hearing him tell stories was one of the main reasons I decided to follow in his footsteps.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Smith has found many great rewards.
Smith is proud of earning her commission in the Navy in December of 2017. Smith said it was one of the best moments in her life.
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, Smith and other Carney sailors know they are a part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Being an officer in the Navy helps me to learn how to lead and manage sailors. It is a very rewarding experience and I am developing many skills that I can take with me when I retire,” said Smith. “Serving in Spain is awesome. It gives me the opportunity to experience being forward deployed and also see so much of the world. I have already traveled to three different countries.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment