By Mass Communication Specialist Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Newark, Delaware native and 2012 Glasgow High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville.
Seaman Asha Kearney is a cryptologic technician (collection) aboard the forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. Chancellorsville is one of three cruisers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.
A Navy cryptologic technician performs collection, analysis and reporting on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals and electronic and magnetic tape recorders.
“My mom always told me that every person is different and that you have to be patient and respectful to everyone and I believe this has helped me with my Navy career,” said Kearney.
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."
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser 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.
“My mom served in the Navy and she encouraged me to join so that I can have the same life experiences that she had because she thought it would better my future,” said Kearney. “I recently was awarded the Blue Jacket of the Quarter award for this quarter. I was surprised and excited to receive the award. I didn’t think I was going to get it since I was competing with other good sailors."
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I would rather risk my life everyday serving in the Navy for the people back home to know that they are out of harm's way,” added Kearney. “Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride and even the little things like the colors ceremony every morning gets me emotional because I’m so proud to serve.”
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
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.