An Allentown native is serving his country in the Navy, living on the coast of Spain, and participating in a critical NATO ballistic missile defense mission while assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Eric Aguirre, a 2000 William Allen High School graduate, is a gas turbine systems technician 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 gas turbine systems technician is responsible for the maintenance and operation of four gas turbine engines, three Allison turbine generators and all it’s auxiliary equipment.

Aguirre credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Allentown.

“Growing up in Allentown, I learned the lessons of showing up early for work, to be on time and never late,” said Aguirre. “That prepared me for the Navy.”

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.

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.

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.

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

Aguirre is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer, an important career mark for an enlisted sailor.

“The Navy has helped me to develop leadership skills and to be able to lead during critical missions,” said Aguirre. “My favorite parts about serving in Spain have been experiencing other cultures and learning different views on life from the locals.”