By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert
Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Sunnyvale,
California native and 2013
Freemont High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaye
Tucker is a
logistics 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 logistics specialist will order, receive, inspect, stow,
preserve, package, ship, and issue materials and cargo. They perform postal
counterwork, including sale of stamps and money orders and process incoming and
outgoing mail. They process claims and inquiries, account for government
materials, and prepare and maintain required forms, records, correspondence,
reports, and files.
“I was in the Boy Scouts as a
child where I learned leadership and mentorship skills," said Tucker. "Without the Boy Scouts I would not be were I am today. I am definitely a
better leader in the Navy because of the lessons I learned then."
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.
“Both of my grandfathers were
in the Navy and the stories my mom would tell me of them influenced me in
joining the Navy,” said Tucker. “A big accomplishment for me
was when I received the enlisted surface warfare qualification which took a
long time to finish. Receiving this qualification helps you
appreciate the ship and what others do for work.”
Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt
to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.
“I joined the Navy because I
wanted to be part of something bigger,” added Tucker.
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.