By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- An Orlando, Florida, native and 2013 Central Florida Christian Academy is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Ogburn is a yeoman 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 yeoman is responsible for performing administrative and clerical work aboard the ship. They deal with visitors, coordinate personnel travel, and handle various forms of military correspondence.
Ogburn is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Orlando.
“I learned from my parents about hard work and humility and to get along with others,” said Ogburn. “This helps me get through the day and makes the hard days easier.”
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.
“You find something fun and different everyday out here on deployment,” said Ogburn. “I love my job.”
Ogburn is proud of his job and believes it gives him the best opportunity to help others. With his hard work he demonstrates dedication to the ship’s mission.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Ogburn and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"It’s tough being out here, but you learn different lessons, you travel and see the world,” said Ogburn. “The bonds you build with friends from all over the U.S. is what I’ll take with me when I leave here.”
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.