Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – An Antigo, Wisconsin, native and 2010 Zion-Benton Township High School, Zion, Illinois graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 (MCMRON SEVEN).
Lt. j.g. Rachelle Edwards is an assistant operations officer serving with the operations department at Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 (MCMRON SEVEN).
A Navy operations officer attached to an MCM squadron is responsible for planning and organizing maintenance as well as bilateral and multination exercises for all MCM ships in the area.
“I learned perseverance from my hometown. Everyone had a good work ethic,” said Edwards. “What I learned then has helped me while serving in the Navy. I’ve faced quite a few challenges especially because of being a female. What I learned in school and NROTC is what saw me through. I had that work ethic to see me through.”
Edwards thus far is proud of her work planning the Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise (MN MIWEX). The two parts that she planned were the multinational mine warfare exercise and the symposium. The exercises involved evolutions of training that are meant to provide increased mine countermeasure interoperability and readiness in the area near the Korean peninsula. She was the only female and the most junior staff planner for the exercise. This is one of her proudest achievements. What she does contributes to the overall mission of the fleet.
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.
“It can get difficult being forward deployed here just because of how far of a distance you are from your family,” said Edwards. “It’s been an enriching experience not only serving here in the Navy but also being able to acclimate to the Japanese culture and the warmth of the people. I enjoy meeting so many different types of people. I’ve made connections with officers and enlisted from our military as well as officers and enlisted from other countries’ military. I’ve had the opportunity to grow form those experiences.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Edwards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy has taught me how to be a better leader and an overall better human being. It’s helped me harness the initiative into a conduit for good,” said Edwards. “I serve in the Navy to pay back the universe all of the opportunities that it has presented me with. Also, it gives me the opportunity to help people.”
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.
A Navy operations officer attached to an MCM squadron is responsible for planning and organizing maintenance as well as bilateral and multination exercises for all MCM ships in the area.
“I learned perseverance from my hometown. Everyone had a good work ethic,” said Edwards. “What I learned then has helped me while serving in the Navy. I’ve faced quite a few challenges especially because of being a female. What I learned in school and NROTC is what saw me through. I had that work ethic to see me through.”
Edwards thus far is proud of her work planning the Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise (MN MIWEX). The two parts that she planned were the multinational mine warfare exercise and the symposium. The exercises involved evolutions of training that are meant to provide increased mine countermeasure interoperability and readiness in the area near the Korean peninsula. She was the only female and the most junior staff planner for the exercise. This is one of her proudest achievements. What she does contributes to the overall mission of the fleet.
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.
“It can get difficult being forward deployed here just because of how far of a distance you are from your family,” said Edwards. “It’s been an enriching experience not only serving here in the Navy but also being able to acclimate to the Japanese culture and the warmth of the people. I enjoy meeting so many different types of people. I’ve made connections with officers and enlisted from our military as well as officers and enlisted from other countries’ military. I’ve had the opportunity to grow form those experiences.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Edwards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy has taught me how to be a better leader and an overall better human being. It’s helped me harness the initiative into a conduit for good,” said Edwards. “I serve in the Navy to pay back the universe all of the opportunities that it has presented me with. Also, it gives me the opportunity to help people.”
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.