By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A Moyock, North Carolina, native and 2013 Currituck High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Mitchell Spiteri is an information systems technician 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 information systems technician is responsible for electronic mail systems, shipboard control systems, and special intelligence (SI) systems. They have a broad range of responsibilities, including network administration, database management and computer hardware and software implementation.
Spiteri is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Moyock.
“I learned a lot from my dad because he was always teaching me skills and fixing things around the house,” said Spiteri. “He taught me good work ethic.”
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.
“At first I was excited about being deployed here and I really enjoy it now,” said Spiteri. “It's fast paced and things here can change on an hourly basis but once you get the hang of things you start to get used to the fast paced lifestyle.”
Spiteri is also proud of volunteering for community service in the local area feeding the homeless. “It makes me feel good to help others who I know aren't as fortunate as me,” said Spiteri.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Spiteri 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 focus on my life and career which I know will help me with life beyond the Navy,” said Spiteri. “Just the job experience alone provides me with opportunities. Being a part of this command helps me understand more of the bigger picture of why we're doing this. It gives me a sense of purpose being out here in Japan. Joining the Navy and being stationed here really has changed my life for the better. I also enjoy the people of Japan because they're so polite and friendly.”
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.