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 2007 Went
to Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas graduate is
serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Miguel Cruz is an operations specialist
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 operations specialist is
responsible for operating
and maintaining radar, navigation and communications equipment aboard the ship.
“Growing up I spent a lot
of time working with my dad doing home repair where I learned about discipline
and good work ethic," said Cruz. "Making sure a job is done right the first time carries
over to my work every day in the Navy.”
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 the culture and the
people and everthing here in Japan is amazing, even the transportation system,said Cruz. "The
scenery and mountains are pretty awesome. It’s very different from the desert environment, where I grew up. It is quite beautiful here. I'm proud of the work I do and the sense of self accomplishment I’ve
gained during my time in the Navy. I also believe I'm actually doing what I was
made to do.”
Sailors serving
abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions,
explained Navy officials.
“Serving in the Navy means working towards a higher purpose and being part of something bigger than
myself," added Cruz. "I enjoy the opportunity to visit different countries, meeting new
people and seeing new things every day. I feel like the Navy makes life a lot
more fresh.”
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.