By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A 2008 MacArthur
High School graduate and Long Island, New York native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Blue
Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Derek Coglievina is a religious program specialist aboard the
forward-deployed amphibious command ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.
As a Navy religious
program specialist, Coglievina is
the liason
for the chaplain aboard the ship. He performs administrative and budgetary work.
He handles all of the commands community relations and community service events.
He also examines the religious needs of the entire command in order to enhance
the religious programs.
“Growing up I was always
told to treat others the way you want to be treated, which I incorporate into my
every day life in the Navy," said Coglievina. "I try not to judge people and help them out when I
can.”
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.
“I'm proud that I got my
warfare pin during my first deployment," said Coglievina. "It was pretty tough because it took
about three months of studying and effort while I was doing my job at the same
time.”
Sailors serving abroad in
Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained
Navy officials.
“Serving in the Navy is a
great opportunity for me to better my life and have a positive impact on others
at the same time," added Coglievina. "I’m fortunate that I am part of a command that takes
community outreach seriously. I really enjoy feeding the homeless and
especially making trips to orphanages in third-world countries. It gives me a sense
of pride and satisfaction knowing that just spending time with these kids is
making an impact.”
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.