By Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community
Outreach Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan – A Newport, Washington, native and 2004
Newport High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task
Force 70.
Petty Officer 1st Class Clinton Wagner is a quartermaster
serving with Commander, Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy quartermaster is responsible for the navigation of
the ship.
Wagner is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls
memories of Newport.
“I’m from a small town and pride in your work means a lot," said Wagner. "I
bring that same sense of pride into my Navy career.”
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.
“I feel like being forward deployed is the best place to be
in the Navy because of the up-tempo,” said Wagner. “The stress gives you a
greater sense of accomplishment and you feel it in the aftermath.”
“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.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon
assets, Wagner and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last
beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I want to be here and I want to help make a difference,”
said Wagner.
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.