By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Sawani Village, Fiji native and 1989 Lelean Memorial School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Antietam.
Petty Officer 1st Class Setoki Qauqau, Jr. is a machinist's mate aboard the forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. Antietam is one of three cruisers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.
A Navy machinist's mate is responsible for the auxiliary divison, taking care of air conditioning units, high pressure air compressors and steering gear units.
“I grew up is a struggling hard environment in Fiji where I learned to work hard to survive," said Qauqau. "This work ethic helps me to overcome anything the Navy gives me.”
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.
“I joined the Navy before my younger brother who I influenced to join the Navy. My family is very excited that I am in the Navy and they feel a great sense of family pride,” said Qauqau. “I'm also thankful that it allows me the opportunity to grow, work and excel. I appreciate the friendships and camaraderie, as these relationships will last a lifetime.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“The Navy has given me so much and I'm thankful to serve and give back where I can,” added Qauqau.
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.