By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Bourbon, Indiana native and 2014 Triton Junior/Senior High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville.
Fireman Keihen Hanley is a damage contolman aboard the forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. Chancellorsville is one of three cruisers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.
A Navy damage contolman is responsible for maintaining water tight integrity of the ship, fighting fires and ensuring operational readiness from a safety standpoint.
“Growing up in a small town I learned that respect, friendship, and loyalty are very important,” said Hanley. "
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 great grandfather served during World War II,” said Hanley. “His character influenced me to join the Navy. He was a very respectable person and used to say that everyone should join the military for the experience. I'm proud of the fact that I actually joined the Navy. I've always talked about doing things and never really followed through, so this is a big accomplishment for me. I do not regret it at all.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“Serving in the Navy means patriotism," added Hanley. "I like being a part of something bigger, it gives me a sense of national pride. I believe giving back to my country is important as well."
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.