By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Bowie, Maryland native and 2010 Mountainview International Christian School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville.
Lt. j.g. Daniel Watanabe is a surface warfare officer and division officer for the auxiliary division 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 surface warfare officer directs personnel operations aboard the ship, manages shipboard vertical launch systems, uses computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense, provides support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions.
“I moved around a lot as a child, so learning different cultures has helped me learn to appreciate and respect others which influenced me in the Navy, since it is so diverse,” said Watanabe.
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 dad was in the Coast Guard and he taught me how to be a better leader which has helped me in my division officer role,” said Watanabe. “One accomplishment that I recently received was a qualification as a surface warfare officer and officer of the deck underway which provided me more knowledge of the ship and how to better lead people."
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“For me, serving in the Navy gives me the opportunity to be part of a bigger and better purpose,” added Watanabe.
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 a phalanx close-in weapons system.
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.