By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A Colorado Springs, Colorado, native and 2015 Doherty High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Hauner 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 operating and performing organizational and intermediate maintenance on power and lighting circuits, electrical fixtures, motors, distribution switchboards, and other electrical equipment.
Hauner is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Colorado Springs.
“I grew up in a military town so the customs and courtesies I was raised on helped for a smooth transition in the Navy,” said Hauner.
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 stationed in Japan was my first choice, so I’m glad that I was able to come here,” said Hauner. “It’s cool experiencing a different way of life than what I’m used to. Not many people have the opportunity to experience this and that makes me proud.”
Hauner is also proud of advancing to the rank of petty officer third class.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Hauner and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"The Navy has made me better at time management, now I’m ahead of stuff I know what I need to do before I am told,” said Hauner. “My grandpa was in the Navy. Serving means a lot. The fact that gramps was in made me want to join the Navy."
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.