By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Memphis, Tennessee, native and 2008 Ridgeway High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS).
Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Humulock is a master at arms serving with the security department at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, operating out of Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy master-at-arms is responsible for providing anti-terrorism and physical security force protection, while conducting law enforcement on Navy installations and assets.
“I learned from growing up that knowledge is power,” said Humulock. “I want to be recognized as a leader, not a boss. That’s what I strive for.”
Humulock is proud of receiving two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for standing out amongst his peers with his work achievements. He is most happy when he sees junior sailors recognized for their accomplishments. He enjoys mentoring people and watching them 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 Sasebo is part of that long-standing commitment, explained Navy officials.
“I feel honored serving in the Navy. Being the supporting forces for the front line, knowing that we provide support to the sailors who are accomplishing the mission is a humbling experience,” said Humulock.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Humulock and other Sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Forward deployed in a foreign country is an experience not a lot of people get to experience,” said Humulock. “You get to experience the customs and culture. The exposer gives you a better outlook on the world, you learn to have a better understanding of how other cultures live."
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.