By Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Tulsa, Oklahoma, native and 2002 Jenks
High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task Force 70.
Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Heidingsfelder is a gunner's mate serving
with, Commander, Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
Heidingsfelder is the force gunner. He manages the weapons
systems and ordnance for the entire area of responsibility of the task force.
Heidingsfelder is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly
recalls memories of Tulsa.
“Being raised in a small town, people had a strong work
ethic,” said Heidingsfelder. “I’ve applied the same principles in the Navy.”
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 love being forward deployed here
in Japan,” said Heidingsfelder. “The life experiences here are second to none.
It’s definitely for those who enjoy hard work.”
Heidingsfelder is also proud of being attached to the command.
He believes that being here and being handed his position gives him the
opportunity to be a positive impact to his fellow sailors.
“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, Heidingsfelder and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that
will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It’s an honor to serve in the world’s finest Navy,” said
Heidingsfelder. “It’s provided me an opportunity to defend my country and
provide for my 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.