By Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Wilbur, Washington, native and 2010 Wilbur
High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Task Force 70.
Seaman Codie L. Soule is a mass communication specialist
serving with Commander, Task Force 70, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
A Navy mass communication specialist
is responsible for telling the Navy’s story through various media outlets.
Soule is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls
memories of Wilbur.
“Growing in my hometown I learned to treat everybody with
respect,” said Soule. "Coming from a small town, I always try to look out for
people and take care of people.”
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 really like being forward deployed and being immersed in
a new culture,” said Soule. “Navy life can be challenging at times, but I also
enjoy the unique experience of living here.”
Soule is also proud of getting an opportunity to visit Iwo
Jima. “Hiking the volcano while thinking
about the history there was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Soule.
“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, Soule and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last
beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy for me is a privilege," said Soule. "It’s not what
your country can do for you it’s what you can do for your country.”
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.