By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Jacksonville,
North Carolina native and 2010
Southwest High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Lt. j.g. Thomas Moore is the
ship’s navigator 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 navigator is
responsible for planning the ship’s routes and oversite of all navigational
equipiment on board. They advise the commanding officer of the ship of the safest
routes. They are the most senior in charge in the bridge next to the commanding
officer and executive officer.
“My hometown is next to a Marine Corps base
so growing up there had a positive influence on my life,” said Moore.
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.
“My father served 21 years in the Marines
and he advised me to become an officer in the Navy because he knew it was the best fit
for me and a great opportunity,” said Moore. “I received two Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medals for serving as the auxiliary officer on one of our
last underways with one of the highest scores on the waterfront. It shows me that hard work and determination will pay off.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt
to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I serve in the Navy because I
want to carry on a proud traditoin of serving my country and it feels good to
know that I am doing my part to protect the country,” added Moore.
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.