By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan
– A Loxahatche, Florida native and 2012 Park Vista High School graduate
is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Fox is a damage controlman
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 damage
controlman is responsible for the ship’s survivability
using firefighting and dewatering equipment, making sure the ship stays afloat
and sustains any casualties.
“My dad was a Marine and taught
me good discipline and leadership," said Fox. "My mom taught me to stay the course and never
give up. Their influence impacts my job daily in the Navy.”
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 like the fact I have the
opportunity to see and do amazing things. Being in the Navy, I have had
experiences that I never thought I’d be able to do.” said Fox.
“I’m proud of the fact that I came from an undesignated position to being a
damage controlman in just three years. It was a lot of hard work.”
Sailors serving
abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions,
explained Navy officials.
“I’ve met many amazing
people during my time in the Navy," added Fox. "I was surrounded by some of the best leaders
and mentors and learned many life and leadership skills which I’ll carry
throughout my entire career.”
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.