By
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo
by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A 2014 Owensville
High School in Owensville, Missouri graduate and Nashville, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Blue
Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Anah Kotila is an operations specialist aboard the
forward-deployed amphibious command ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy operations
specialist is responsible for operating the communications, radar, and
navigation equipment that tracks ships, aircraft, and enemy missiles and
communicates tactical information to supervisors and other operators.
“I learned many values from family and friends back home
such as having respect and pride in where you came from,” said Kotila. “The
morals and values I learned from everyone helps me get through everyday
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 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 received a Letter of Commendation from the commanding
officer for my volunteer work assisting with the base children holiday events,”
said Kotila. “It feels good to volunteer and to give back to the base and
outside community.”
Sailors serving abroad in
Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained
Navy officials.
“I serve for my country to
protect the freedoms of the people back home,” added Kotila.
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.