By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A Marshall, Missouri, native and 2015 Marshall High School is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Jarvis is a boatswain's mate aboard the ship 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 boatswain's mate maintains and preserves the exterior surfaces of the ship, handles deck machinery and equipment, and takes part in various evolutions such as search and rescue and underway replenishment.
Jarvis is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Marshall.
“In the midwestern small town lifestyle, everyone knows everyone else,” said Jarvis. “This helps me in the Navy because I like to get to know others on a personal level.”
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.
USS Blue Ridge serves as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It is one of only two U.S. Navy command ships in the world, providing command and control for fleet commanders.
“It can be stressful being away from family, but it’s rewarding at the same time,” said Jarvis. “I have grown tremendously in my time here.”
Jarvis is also proud of being a part of the deployment with his ship who received a battle “E” for excellence. He realized that he was a part of a bigger mission. He feels a lot of pride and accomplishment being stationed on the Blue Ridge. What he does contributes to the overall mission.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jarvis and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Joining the Navy has made me more responsible,” said Jarvis. “I have people working for me now, so I’ve learned to be a leader.”
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.