By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A San
Diego native and 2010 Old Angel University in the Philippines graduate is serving in
the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Angelica Mercado is a
gas turbine systems technician- electrical 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 gas turbine systems technician operates, repairs, and performs maintenance on electrical
components of gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery, auxiliary
equipment, and propulsion control systems.
“My parents raised me to be
responsible and to respect others which has helped me a lot in the Navy,” said
Mercado.
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.
“My uncle is a master chief in the
Navy and he inspired me to join the Navy because he knew it would provide me
with many opportunities to better my life and my future,” said
Mercado. “I received the 'Snipe' of the Month on board the ship but I was surprised because I did not expect the
award. I feel really appreciated and I now know that everything
I do effects someone in a positive way.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt
to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I feel like it is my duty and
responsibility to serve in the Navy,” added Mercado.
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.