By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – An Olongapo, Philippines native and 2004 Aura De Laurentus Business High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Antietam.
Chief Petty Officer (select) Arturo Camalas is a fire controlman aboard the forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. Antietam is one of three cruisers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.
As a Navy fire control man, Camalas is responsible for leading the combat guns division, he’s in charge of artillery and small arms on board the ship, everything from the five inch gun on the deck to 9mm pistols.
“Growing up I learned that you always need others and it's good to lower your pride once in a while to get the job done which helps in my Navy career,” said Camalas.
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 father is a retired Navy storekeeper and he influenced my decision to join the Navy,” said Camalas. “I've received many awards during my time in the Navy, but being selected for chief petty officer is a very humbling experience and I'm definitely honored with a great sense of pride."
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“Serving in the Navy to me means sacrificing for the greater good," added Camalas. "We all wear the uniform knowing that we’re going to give up time with our families and loved ones for a much bigger purpose.”
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.