By
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo
by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Lawton, Oklahoma native and 2015 Eisenhower High School graduate is serving in the
U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Kelsea Whalen is a cryptologic technician (technical) 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 Navy cryptologic technician performs collection, analysis and reporting on communication signals
using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video
display terminals and electronic/magnetic tape recorders.
“In high school, my JROTC teacher
had a positive impact on me becaues he taught me discipline and how to be a
well-rounded person,” said Whalen. “I believe this better prepared for the Navy
and for succeeding in life.”
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.
“I had a grandfather in
the military who always encouraged me to do what I felt was right for me and my
future and was happy that I chose to join the Navy,” said Whalen. “I am currently striving
for my the enlisted surface warfare qualification because I want to learn more
about the ship and more about the other sailors and their jobs on the ship.”
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 make my mom proud and to be a positive role model for my little
sisters,” added Whalen.
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.