By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan
– A San
Antonio native and 2012 Harlandale
High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Karlie Gaitan is an electrician’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 electrician’s
mate is responsible
for the operation and repair of a
ship's electrical power plant and electrical equipment. They also maintain and
repair power and lighting circuits, distribution switchboards, generators and
motors.
“Growing up I learned the
importance of interacting with others and keeping a good attitude," said Gaitan. "This applies
today in the Navy as I communicate with people from all different walks of
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 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.
“I like being in Japan," said Gaitan. "There are unique towns with small cafes here. Being forward-deployed gives me
the opportunity to visit so many different places. Besides Japan, I’ve been to Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I’m proud of the fact
that I volunteer for the aircraft firefighting team. It’s an adrenaline rush
and I'm glad to be a first responder for any major fire."
Sailors serving
abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions,
explained Navy officials.
“Serving in the Navy is
not really a job but rather a lifestyle and a responsibility," added Gaitan. "I take a lot of
pride in what I do every day.”
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.