By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Las Vegas, New Mexico, native and 1996 Robertson High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task Force 70, Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15).
Senior Chief Petty Officer Stephen Johnson is a fire controlman serving with DESRON 15, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
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 at the organizational and intermediate level.
Johnson is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Las Vegas.
“I was taught growing up to always appreciate a good meal,” said Johnson.
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.
“This is my third tour being forward deployed,” said Johnson. "I willingly came back here because I love the people and the tempo. It makes for fulfilling days, earnest and honest feeling of a days work. The Navy reinforced my values. I’m the only person in my family in the military and I get to act as a beacon and role model to my family armed forces are doing good things.”
Johnson is also proud of receiving a Navy Commendation Medal from a rear admiral for the development of a tomahawk weapons systems principal developer.
“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.”
The mission of the DESRON 15 is to conduct underway operations and exercise tactical control of destroyers during peace and wartime operations.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Johnson 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 now allows me to share my humor with my sailors,” said Johnson.
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.
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 at the organizational and intermediate level.
Johnson is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Las Vegas.
“I was taught growing up to always appreciate a good meal,” said Johnson.
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.
“This is my third tour being forward deployed,” said Johnson. "I willingly came back here because I love the people and the tempo. It makes for fulfilling days, earnest and honest feeling of a days work. The Navy reinforced my values. I’m the only person in my family in the military and I get to act as a beacon and role model to my family armed forces are doing good things.”
Johnson is also proud of receiving a Navy Commendation Medal from a rear admiral for the development of a tomahawk weapons systems principal developer.
“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.”
The mission of the DESRON 15 is to conduct underway operations and exercise tactical control of destroyers during peace and wartime operations.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Johnson 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 now allows me to share my humor with my sailors,” said Johnson.
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.