Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John M. Richardson visited the officers and crew of USS Ross (DDG 71) during a visit to Naval Station Rota, Spain, March 28.

The CNO and his official party came aboard Ross to see first-hand one of the Aegis guided-missile destroyers that is forward-deployed to the European Phased Adaptive Approach.

The tour included discussions with the crew about the Mark 45 5-inch gun, the close-in weapons system, the vertical launch system, and the newly installed sea rolling airframe missile system.

Richardson also visited the bridge, combat information center, and central control station where he met with Sailors to discuss operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

"Having the CNO aboard was very rewarding," said Cmdr. Russell Caldwell, commanding officer of Ross. "His interaction with the crew and gratitude toward all their hard work means a lot, not only to our crew members but also to me. He reaffirmed the words I give out to my Sailors every day."

The CNO spoke directly with members of the Ross as part of his official visit to Spain.

Richardson reenlisted Operations Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Owens, and administered the oath of office to Jeremy Maldonado and Elvin Ayala as they were promoted to lieutenant and chief warrant officer 3, respectively.

The CNO also met and congratulated the Ross Sailor of the Year, Fire Controlman 1st Class Daniel Tetak; Junior Sailor of the Year, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Tanika Bates; and the Blue Jacket of the Quarter, Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brandun Charles-Jeminez.

During the ceremonies, Richardson mentioned, "We do not take oaths too many times. I would be surprised if there are more than three oaths that an individual swears [to] in their lifetime: the oath of marriage, the oath of military service, and religious oaths. Today we take pleasure in reaffirming the oath to military service."

"Having the CNO present the oath of office is something I would have never dreamed of. I am very proud of this moment and happy that I was able to share it with my wife and Navy family," said Lt. Jeremy Maldonado, cryptologic warfare officer aboard Ross.

Ross is currently working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work toward mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.