By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Seattle native and 2010
Renton High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua
Apostol 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 the
communications, radar, and navigation equipment that tracks ships, aircraft,
and enemy missiles and communicates tactical information to supervisors and
other operators.
“I learned the value of persistence from my parents which has helped me accomplish many things in the
Navy,” said Apostol.
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.
“Being forward deployed in
Japan can get stressful because we are always underway but it also provides the
opportunity to experience a new culture,” said Apostol. “I received a Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal for assisting with Exercise Talisman Saber. It is good to know that your hard work pays off in the end.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt
to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I feel proud serving in the
Navy and being part of something greater,” added Apostol. “My grandfather always wanted to serve but never had the chance
to, so I want to serve for him.”
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.