By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan
– A Garner, North Carolina native and 2007 West Johnston High School graduate
is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Ensign Michelle Kasprak is an electrical officer
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.
As an electrical officer, Kasprak is responsible for an entire electrical division
aboard the ship. She leads sailors responsible for the operation and repair of
a ship's electrical power plant and equipment. She also ensures they maintain
and repair power and lighting circuits, distribution switchboards, generators
and motors.
“My dad retired from the Air
Force and I witnessed his discipline and integrity every day," said Kasprak. "My parents encouraged
me to maintain honesty and taught me to always do the right thing. This relates
directly to my work today with the core values of the Navy—honor, courage and
commitment.”
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.
“This is my first time being
out of the country and I am loving the adventure of living in a different culture," said Kasprak. "I can definitely feel overwhelmed
at times, but being in Japan is a great experience. The people here are friendly and welcoming and the scenery is incredible. I'm proud that I pushed myself to do something so big. Not many people can
look back in their life and say that they served on a ship in the Navy. I’m
excited for the future.”
Sailors serving
abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions,
explained Navy officials.
“I’m honored to be serving
beside so many increadible people, all from different backgrounds," added Kasprak. "It’s amazing
how we can all come together and work towards a common goal to complete the
mission. I like being part of something bigger than myself.”
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.