By
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo
by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A 1999 Little
Rock Central High School graduate and Little Rock, Arkansas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Blue
Ridge.
Petty Officer 1st Class
Laura Guthridge is a yeoman aboard the forward-deployed amphibious
command ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy yeoman
is responsible for performing administrative and clerical work aboard the ship.
They deal with visitors, coordinate worldwide travel, submit passport
applications, and handle various forms of military correspondence.
“I had a positive upbringing and learned to respect and
care for others which I know has helped me in the Navy,” said Guthridge. “I
always try to have a positive attitude and it is a good feeling that people
know they can talk to me about anything.”
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."
USS Blue Ridge serves as
the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It is one of only two U.S. Navy
command ships in the world, providing command and control for fleet commanders.
Forward-deployed sailors
are crucial to the success of the global Navy mission and earn high praise from
their leaders.
“My dad influenced me in joining
the Navy because he saw that I wanted more in life and thought the Navy would
be the best fit becaue of the opportunities it provides,” said Guthridge.
Sailors serving abroad in
Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained
Navy officials.
“I am proud to serve for
my country and to protect everyone’s freedom,” added Guthridge. “This is most
important to me and is worth fighting for.”
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.