SASEBO, Japan – A Lake Charles, Louisiana, native and 1983 Washington High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Carrier Task Force 70.
Master Chief Petty Officer Suzanne Davis is an information systems technician serving with Commander, Carrier Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
Davis is the spectrum manager and senior enlisted leader of the strike group. She is responsible for maximizing communications across the airwing and strike group along with independent ships. Her main job is to create a plan to establish secure and non-secure, voice and data communications and capabilities.
Davis is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Lake Charles.
“Where I’m from everyone joins together and helps their fellow neighbor," said Davis. "There’s a sense of community and teamwork. This is what I can bring to the table, with that sense of community and always trying to help others.”
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.
“Being forward-deployed here is a different experience than other places. It’s very challenging but rewarding at the same time,” said Davis. “It’s good to see the fruits of your labor and see your hard work pay off.”
Davis is also proud of being a part of and playing a vital role in a tri-carrier operation in the western pacific. She was in charge of the communication plan for three different carrier strike groups in the same area at the same time.
“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, Davis and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“One of my favorite parts about working for this command is being able to work with our mission partners,” said Davis. “It’s given me so many opportunities to present myself as a proud service member, naval leader, and ambassador of the United States.”
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.