By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A New Orleans native and 2009 Smiths High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Raymond Davis is a machinist’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 machinist’s mate is responsible for operating and maintaining steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery.
Davis is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of New Orleans.
“Growing up I learned that nothing lasts forever, so I make sure I work hard and live in the present, appreciating each day,” said Davis.
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.
“Being forward-deployed I feel like you hold a big role in keeping communications up for the whole 7th Fleet,” said Davis. “It starts with our shop and it all ends with us.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Davis and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Being in the Navy helps me to smile a lot more,” said Davis. “Serving in the Navy means everything to me, it puts food on my table. There is probably nothing worth more than my career, other than my wife.”
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.