By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – An Alliance, Nebraska native and 2004 Alliance High School graduate is serving in
the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 1st Class
Christopher Alvarado is an electrician's mate aboard
the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out
of Yokosuka, Japan. Curtis Wilbur is one of eight destroyers forward-deployed
in Yokosuka.
A Navy electrician's mate is responsible for the operation,
maintenance, and repair of the ship's electrical power generation system,
lighting system, electrical equipment and electrical appliances.
“I grew up in a small town so coming into the
Navy was very different for me but since I have joined I learned so much from
so many different types of people,” said Alvarado. “That is what I appreciate
most about the Navy.”
With more than 50 percent of the world's shipping tonnage and a third
of the world's crude oil passing through the region, the U.S. has historic and
enduring interests in this part of the world.
"Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared
values," said Adm. Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command.
"It's not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the
U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the
Second World War, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of
unprecedented economic growth. And for the last six decades, our Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side by side with the
Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom."
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are
highly specialized and keep each part of the ship running smoothly, according
to Navy officials. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and
operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and
operating small boats.
Forward-deployed sailors are crucial to the success of the global Navy
mission and earn high praise from their leaders.
“Both my grandfather and my
mother helped me develop a good work ethic which has helped me throughout my
entire Navy career,” said Alvarado. “I received two Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medals which feels great to be recognized for my hard
work. This motivates me even
more knowing that what I do contributes to the mission."
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt
to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I’m proud to serve in the Navy
and serve my country and to know that I'm
doing my part to protect our freedom,” added Alvarado.
With the ability to conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare
and anti-surface warfare, destroyers are capable of sustained maritime
operations supporting forward naval presence, maritime security, sea control,
deterrence of aggressive actions on U.S. partners around the globe, as well as
humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically
advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.