By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – A Montrose, Colorado, native and 2007 Montrose High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15).
Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Byrnes is an operations specialist serving with DESRON 15, Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for operating the communications, radar, and navigation equipment that tracks ships, aircraft, and enemy missiles and communicates tactical information to supervisors and other operators.
Byrnes is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Montrose.
“Being from a small town helps you build camaraderie and establish relationships with people you work with and live with on a daily basis," said Byrnes.
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.
“At my previous commands I've served both on a ship as well as a shore based flag staff command," said Byrnes. "So being with this unit allows me to experience a bit of both sea and shore work life."
Byrnes is also proud to mentor and help junior sailors transition to the command and become stronger sailors through his leadership.
“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 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, Byrnes 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 and living by its core values has definitely made me a better person. I'm able to take my training, discipline, and leadership that I've learned and use it in everyday life," said Byrnes. “Serving with a small command like this naturally creates a strong sense of camaraderie and gives me an opportunity to experience other cultures.”
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 operations specialist is responsible for operating the communications, radar, and navigation equipment that tracks ships, aircraft, and enemy missiles and communicates tactical information to supervisors and other operators.
Byrnes is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Montrose.
“Being from a small town helps you build camaraderie and establish relationships with people you work with and live with on a daily basis," said Byrnes.
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.
“At my previous commands I've served both on a ship as well as a shore based flag staff command," said Byrnes. "So being with this unit allows me to experience a bit of both sea and shore work life."
Byrnes is also proud to mentor and help junior sailors transition to the command and become stronger sailors through his leadership.
“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 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, Byrnes 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 and living by its core values has definitely made me a better person. I'm able to take my training, discipline, and leadership that I've learned and use it in everyday life," said Byrnes. “Serving with a small command like this naturally creates a strong sense of camaraderie and gives me an opportunity to experience other cultures.”
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.