By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A Milwaukee native and 2016 Rufus King International Bachelorette High School is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for operating kitchen and dining facilities, budgeting for food service management, and ensuring morale aboard the ship.
Robinson is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Milwaukee.
“I’ve learned to stay positive and have a good attitude, and that will help you get through the tough times,” said Robinson.
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.
“I feel honored that I’m able to serve and come all the way to Japan and be a part of the Navy,” said Robinson.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Robinson 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 has helped me to become more independent and responsible,” said Robinson. “I’ve also had the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and gain a lot of life experience.”
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.