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MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos have been joining the Navy since 1901 when United States President William McKinley allowed 500 Filipino recruits to enlist. The program was formalized in 1947 in Subic Bay, known as the US Philippine Enlistment Program, and continued until 1992.
Petty Officer 1st Class Benjie Ronquillo, graduated from Guagua National College in Pampanga, a year after the program had ended and US bases in the Philippines closed.
“I am responsible for providing power throughout the ship,” said Ronquillo.
Ronquillo is an electrician’s mate aboard the US Navy Destroyer USS Fitzgerald. He currently lives and works at the Navy’s forward-deployed base south of Tokyo, Japan.
The ship is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Fitzgerald is 505 feet long and 66 feet wide, weighs more than 9,200 tons. Its 4 gas turbine engines can push the ship through the ocean at nearly 35 miles per hour. The ship was named after Lt William Charles Fitzgerald, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism on August 7, 1967 in Vietnam.
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.
About 40 officers and 260 enlisted men serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and help keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly.
According to the US Navy: “Destroyers provide the required warfighting 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.”
Fitzgerald sailors in particular are on watch throughout the Asia Pacific, acting as the US’ “first responders” in the region.
“The Navy provides me with great benefits and allows me to serve my country,” said Ronquillo. – Rappler.com
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