By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA – A Lake City, Florida, native and 2015 Columbia High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Shiloh.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Geisler is a fire controlman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer 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 fire controlman is responsible for operating and maintaining combat and weapons direction systems, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile systems and gun fire control systems. They also provide system employment recommendations and performing maintenance on digital computer equipment systems.
Geisler is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Lake City.
“I learned a lot from my scoutmaster. I admired his leadership ability which I strive to implement in in my own life,” said Geisler. “He’s the type of person you will actually sit down and listen to.”
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.
“It’s a cool opportunity to experience other cultures and to know that you’re a part of an important organization,” said Geisler.
Geisler is also proud of the type of work he does on the ship. He knows that what he does is recognized and important to the mission.
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups. Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
USS Shiloh has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Geisler 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 grow into an adult and has offered me a lot of opportunities to advance in my own career,” said Geisler. “This is the first time I’ve experienced being in another country and being around a 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.