LIFESTYLES -- FEATURE SPOT, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
10:24 am Thursday, November 8, 2018

Richard Stepp supports ballistic missile defenders in Spain

ROTA, SPAIN – Lieutenant Richard ‘Cayce’ Stepp is serving in Spain at U.S. Naval Hospital Rota.

Stepp supports ballistic-missile defense ships that are forward deployed to Naval Station or NAVSTA Rota. A native of Decatur, he graduated in 1997 from Austin High School.  

Stepp works as a Navy healthcare administrator at U.S. Naval Hospital Rota and is responsible for the coordination of care for more than 3,500 sailors and their families.

Stepp credits his success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in Decatur. “Growing up, I learned responsibility, accountability for my actions and that family comes first in life,” Stepp said.

Naval Station Rota is operationally equipped with four forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. The station is tasked to enhance the ballistic missile defense of the European region.

These four destroyers have a critical NATO mission, specifically to provide full coverage protection for all NATO European populations, territories and forces. These vessels are ready to defend against the increasing threats posted by the ability to acquire ballistic missiles capabilities.

According to the NATO website, many countries have developed, or are trying to develop, ballistic missiles. The ability to acquire these capabilities does not necessarily mean that an immediate intent exists to attack NATO.

However, the alliance has a responsibility to take any possible threat into account as part of its core task of collective defense.

Note: Headquartered in Millington, Tenn., the Navy Office of Community Outreach travels globally to collect sailors’ stories. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt researched this story.

For more information, visit outreach.navy.mil, navy.mil/local/csg9 or Facebook/Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *