By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- An Alamo, Texas, native and 2015 PSJA Memorial High School is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Richards is an electrician's mate aboard the ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. The ship routinely deploys to protect alliances, enhance partnerships, and be ready to respond if a natural disaster occurs in the region.
A Navy electrician's mate is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the ship's electrical power generation system, lighting systems, and electrical equipment.
Richards is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Alamo.
“I had two working parents and they taught me to work hard at my job and do what I have to do,” said Richards.
Moments like that makes it worth serving around the world ready at all times to defend America’s interests. 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. The Navy's presence in Yokosuka is part of that long-standing commitment, explained Navy officials.
USS Blue Ridge serves as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It is one of only two U.S. Navy command ships in the world, providing command and control for fleet commanders.
“Being forward-deployed is a unique experience and we are here for a reason," said Richards. "We are always prepared for whatever happens.”
Richards is also proud of being a part of the restoration of the ship when it was in dry dock. “Going through all the inspections and seeing the progress being made, gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Richards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy has made me more determined to get things done, to be diligent and gives me more structure to my life,” said Richards. “The people are awesome here and I’ve made friends with a very diverse group of people.”
Seventh Fleet, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2018, spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South. Seventh Fleet's area of operation encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world’s population with between 50-70 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and approximately 20,000 Sailors in the 7th Fleet.