By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA – A Pittsburgh native and 2015 Shaler Area High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Curtis Wilbur.
Fireman William Schmitt is a damage controlman aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer 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 damage controlman is responsible for fighting fires and repairing holes on the ship. If there is a casualty on the ship such as a fire, flood, chemical or gas leak, a damage controlman would be the first to respond. In addition to performing maintenance on all shipboard fire fighting equipment and personal protective equipment, they instruct the crew on effectively fighting fire and making emergency repairs the ship.
Schmitt is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Pittsburgh.
“My parents taught me dedication and hard work, and to be proud of what you do,” said Schmitt.
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.
“It’s very challenging being deployed here but it’s very beneficial career-wise,” said Schmitt. “We have intense inspections and long underways but everyone gets great work experience.”
Schmitt is also proud of being part of all the engineering inspections. He is most proud when the pass with high scores because he knows its because of their hard work. He feels like he contributes to the overall mission.
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups. Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
Curtis Wilbur has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Schmitt and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I take a lot of pride serving in the Navy,” said Schmitt. “Serving in the military is a family tradition.”
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.