By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A San Jose, California, native and 2016 Independence High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Seaman Christen Castro is serving 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.
Castro is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of San Jose.
“I was always taught to respect my elders, the importance of getting my daily duties completed and keeping everything maintained,” said Castro.
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 feels great, I feel like we are actually making a difference,” said Castro.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Castro 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, I learned how to get out of my shell and build leadership roles,” said Castro. “Serving in the Navy means I get to continue my family’s tradition of service. I have six uncles in the military and I am the first female in my family to join. I want to be a role model for my siblings and family.”
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.