By
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo
by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Madisonville, Louisiana native and 2015 Mandeville High School graduate
is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Aaron Peter is a gunner's mate 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 gunner's mate is
responsible for the operation and maintenance of guided missile launching
systems, underwater explosive weapons such as torpedoes, rockets and missiles,
gun mounts and other ordnance equipment, and small arms magazines.
“My parents provided me
with everything that I needed to succeed in life which has helped me throughout
my Navy career,” said Peter.
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.
“Because of the high tempo work schedule of being
stationed here in Japan it can get stressful at times but the hard work is
worth it,” said Peter. “Being appointed as the
command armorer is a great accomplishment for me. It makes me
love my job even more knowing that I make a difference on the ship.”
Sailors serving abroad in
Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained
Navy officials.
“I enjoy serving in the
Navy because I feel proud that I am part of bigger family,” added Peter.
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.