SASEBO, Japan – A Cedar Park, Texas, native and 2009 Summit
Christian Academy High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with
Commander, Task Force 70.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Sara Sexton is a mass communication
specialist serving with Commander, Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka,
Japan.
A Navy mass communication specialist is responsible for
telling the Navy’s story through a variety of media outlets.
Sexton is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls
memories of Cedar Park.
“Growing up I learned respect for others and I think that’s
very important because there is so many different backgrounds and personalities
you have to work with,” said Sexton.
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.
“The Navy has given me a better understanding of myself, my
strengths, my weaknesses and my ability to overcome challenging situations,”
said Sexton.
Sexton is also proud of coordinating an entire tour for the
Second Lady of the United States, Mrs. Pence.
“You make a difference every day,” said Deputy Commander,
U.S. 7th Fleet Joey Dodgen. “We are the most prepared, highly trained and the
most capable force in the Indo Pacific. Our carriers, amphibious assault ships,
aircraft and most importantly, our people, are ready today to face regional
challenges and lead our Navy’s forces in this theater, just as the officers and
Sailors of 7th Fleet have done for 75 years. So thank you for all that you do.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon
assets, Sexton 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 gives me an opportunity to travel and
be an ambassador for the United States in the various countries we visit,” said
Sexton.
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.