Bakersfield native serves aboard guided missile cruiser in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward

YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Bakersfield, California native and 1991 North High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville.

Cmdr. John Rummel is the executive officer aboard the forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. Chancellorsville is one of three cruisers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.

As the number two warfighter aboard, Rummel is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance on of one of America's forward deployed battle cruisers. Leading over 350 sailors he strives to ensure good order and discipline every day.

“I learned that maintaining good discipline and integrity in every interaction is foundational for a successful career,” said Rummel. "I was taught to always treat others with dignity and respect. This perspective guides me every day in 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 United States 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 cruiser 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.

“My grandfather served during World War II and my uncle was a hull maintenance technician during the Vietnam War,” said Rummel. “I think it’s an honor and privilege to follow in their tradition and sense of service to this great nation. I’m proud of this ship and the accomplishments of its crew over the last year. I’m honored by all the ship’s awards we’ve won -- and there are many. It’s not because of the leadership, it’s because every single sailor was doing their part every single day to improve themselves, the equipment and their spaces.”

Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.

“The impact that I’ve had with individual sailors and the relationships I’ve built over the past 25 years have been some of the most profound accomplishments of my naval career,” added Rummel. "Those relationships will endure long beyond the time I serve in this Navy. Additionally, the opportunity for my family to travel and live abroad is something that helps shape my children’s future, giving them opportunities they’d never had, had it not been for the Navy."

A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and Phalanx close-in weapons systems.

Sailors play a vital role in the overall military mission around the world.

"The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Harris.