By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A Kaneohe, Hawaii, native and 2011 James B Castle High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Bryson Deguchi, an information systems technician, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located.
As an information systems technician, Deguchi is responsible for makimg sure communications are going from ship to shore, ship to ship, and ship to ground.
“Growing up, I was taught the importance of family and friends, which I try to keep in mind while serving in the Navy,” said Deguchi.
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Deguchi is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
“I am the first in my family to join the military,” said Deguchi. “I feel proud and will set a good example for my family and future family.”
Deguchi’s proudest accomplishment was earning two Navy Achievement Medals in 2015; one for Blue Jacket of the Year and the other as an end of tour award.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Deguchi and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving others is a humbling experience and helps you appreciate what you have in life,” added Deguchi.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
“I am the first in my family to join the military,” said Deguchi. “I feel proud and will set a good example for my family and future family.”
Deguchi’s proudest accomplishment was earning two Navy Achievement Medals in 2015; one for Blue Jacket of the Year and the other as an end of tour award.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Deguchi and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving others is a humbling experience and helps you appreciate what you have in life,” added Deguchi.