By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A 2015 Lake
Nona High School graduate and Orlando, Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class David Gunthorpe
Carcamo is an information
systems technician aboard
the forward-deployed amphibious command ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy information
systems technician is responsible for maintaining radio equipment that
supports communciation throughout the entire ship using the latest technology.
“I learned growing up to
put forth my best effort in everything I do and to always work hard," said Gunthorpe Carcamo. "Aboard the
ship, there is always someone to learn from which helps me keep that same
attitude. Never stop working hard.”
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.
“My uncle served in the
Navy and made petty officer 3rd class in four years. He also used
his used GI Bil to get an education and now works for SpaceX—all because of the
Navy," said Gunthorpe Carcamo. "Seeing his motivation and success influenced me to join the Navy myself.
It showed me that I can do anything. I'm really proud
of the fact that I joined the Navy in the first place. It was a huge decision
and it makes me feel good that my family supports me."
Sailors serving abroad in
Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained
Navy officials.
“I'm extremely glad that
I've had the opportunity to visit eight countries so far," added Gunthorpe Carcamo. "It's reassuring to
know that the Navy will provide a great stepping-stone for my future. I'm proud
to say that I serve.”
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.