Pampanga native powering up US Navy destroyer

YOKOSUKA, Japan — A 1993 Guagua National College graduate and a native of Pampanga, Philippines is serving aboard the United States Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), living and working at the Navy’s forward-deployed base south of Tokyo.

Petty Officer 1st Class Benjie Ronquillo is an electrician's mate aboard the destroyer operating out of Yokosuka, which is located approximately 35 miles south of Tokyo and accommodates the United States' furthest forward-deployed naval forces.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Ronquillo said he is proud to serve his country aboard a destroyer in Japan.

"I am responsible for providing power throughout the ship," said Ronquillo.

An Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Fitzgerald is 505 feet long or more than 1 and a half football fields. The ship is 66 feet wide, weighs more than 9,200 tons, and its four gas turbine engines can push the ship through the ocean at nearly 35 miles per hour. US Navy photo

Ronquillo also said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the Fitzgerald's 300-member crew, living thousands of miles from home, and protecting America on the world's oceans.

"I think the tightness of the crew is my favorite part," said Ronquillo.

"Fitzgerald sailors represent every state in the union as well as a diversity of ethnicities. It is an honor to lead and serve with the finest sailors the nation has to offer," said Cmdr. Chris England, the ship's Commanding Officer. "These sailors should be justifiably proud of their accomplishments – a direct reflection of their dedication to mission accomplishment, motivation, and commitment to the Navy."

Approximately 40 officers and 260 enlisted men make up the ship's company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the 2 billion dollar destroyer running smoothly — this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.

Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required war-fighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking overseas.

With multi-mission capabilities in surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense, and humanitarian assistance, Arleigh Burke destroyers excel as the Navy's premier fighting warship.

Assigned to US Seventh Fleet, Fitzgerald sailors are continuously on watch throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, acting as America's first responders in that part of the world.

As a member of one of the US Navy's most versatile combat ships, Ronquillo and other Fitzgerald sailors understand they are part of a forward-deployed team that is heavily relied upon to help protect and defend America across the world's oceans.

"The Navy provides me with great benefits and allows me to serve my country," said Ronquillo.

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This story is contributed by the US Navy Office of Community Outreach and revised for publishing by Philstar.com.