By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Los Angeles, California, native and 2010 Bishop Montgomery High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task Force 70, Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15).
Lt.j.g. Eric Boyd is a surface warfare officer serving with DESRON 15, forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan.
Navy surface warfare officers are involved in virtually every aspect of Navy missions. They are trained extensively to maintain and operate ships, their crew, and their systems.
Boyd is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles is a melting pot, so growing up there helped me transition well into the Navy because there are all kinds of different backgrounds and that makes me more personable and able to adjust,” said Boyd.
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.
“I enjoy being forward deployed,” said Boyd. “There is a lot of work to be done, but the work is fulfilling. The people here make it all worth it; I couldn’t ask for a better team. The discipline that comes with the military has been great for my development as a leader, a man, and as a person. It’s humbling knowing that people are looking up to me.”
Boyd is also proud of his sailors’ accomplishments.
“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, Boyd 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 makes my family and friends proud and I couldn’t see myself doing something more fulfilling than being in the Navy,” said Boyd.
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.
Navy surface warfare officers are involved in virtually every aspect of Navy missions. They are trained extensively to maintain and operate ships, their crew, and their systems.
Boyd is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles is a melting pot, so growing up there helped me transition well into the Navy because there are all kinds of different backgrounds and that makes me more personable and able to adjust,” said Boyd.
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.
“I enjoy being forward deployed,” said Boyd. “There is a lot of work to be done, but the work is fulfilling. The people here make it all worth it; I couldn’t ask for a better team. The discipline that comes with the military has been great for my development as a leader, a man, and as a person. It’s humbling knowing that people are looking up to me.”
Boyd is also proud of his sailors’ accomplishments.
“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, Boyd 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 makes my family and friends proud and I couldn’t see myself doing something more fulfilling than being in the Navy,” said Boyd.
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.