By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
Photo by Senior
Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
YOKOSUKA, Japan
– A Vega
Vaja, Puerto Rico native and 2008 Juanquirendongo
High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Rosiluz Avilesvega is a sonar technician 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 sonar
technician is
responsible for the operation, maintenance
and repair of sonar systems and antisubmarine warfare fire control equipment.
“Growing up I learned that
hard work is important," said Avilesvega. "Being responsible just by showing up on time every day
is key. This applies to my job as a fire controlman.”
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.
“I take pride knowing that
I’m the first in my family to join the military," said Avilesvega. "My family members look up to
me which gives me a sense of responsibility for them. I try to be a good role
model. I'm proud of the many life
lessons I’ve learned during my time in the Navy. Meeting people from different backgrounds
and walks of life is a great opportunity."
Sailors serving
abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions,
explained Navy officials.
“I've dreamed of joining
the Navy since I was young," added Avilesvega. "Working in the Navy is a challenge that forces me
out of my comfort zone. Learning to work with others and applying patience has
strengthened my character and made me a better person.”
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.