By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A recent resident of Stuttgart, Germany and 2014 Patch High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Fireman Renalie Labarda 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 is responsible for the electrical parts of gas turbine engines and systems aboard the ship.
“Growing up, I learned to not to take anything personally and to be respectful of people’s differences---we're all from many walks of life,” said Labarda.
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 dad retired from the Army, and my sister currently serves in the Air Force," said Labarda. "Their military careers influenced me to join. I believe I'm following in my sister's fooststeps and carrying on the tradition. I'm proud of the fact that I graduated at the top one percent in bootcamp and advanced immediately.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I’m grateful of the education opportunity the Navy provides," added Labarda. "Serving in the Navy means giving back to my country and to my family.”
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.