By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Salina, Kansas, native and 1995 Salina
Central High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task
Force 70.
Cmdr. Andrew Plumer is an intel officer serving with
Commander, Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
Plumer is the strike group intel officer. He is responsible
for the oversight of intelligence production and dissemination for the entire
task force and strike group.
Plumer is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls
memories of Salina.
“In high school there was a biology teacher, Mr. Wocholtz, who spent more time talking about doing good things for the community instead
of actually teaching biology,” said Plumer. “I took those lessons to heart and
decided to join the Navy because I knew it would help me succeed.”
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.
“Being the intel officer is what I wanted to do,” said
Plumer. “I didn’t want an easy job in the Navy, I wanted a challenge. I enjoy
being forward deployed here because this is the one place that I know would
allow me to do my job to the best of my ability.”
Plumer is also proud of being a part of the strike group because
of the awesome responsibility. He is also proud of his team because they make
his life easier. He states that they are diligent hard-working individuals who
know their jobs and take their jobs.
“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, Plumer and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last
beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I enjoy being in the Navy because of the traveling,” said
Plumer. “I’ve been to all sorts of countries. Experiencing other cultures and
meeting different people is priceless.”
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.