SASEBO, Japan – A Chandler, Arizona, native and 2012 Dobson High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ari Dehghani is a gas systems turbine technician (electrical) operating forward in Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy gas systems turbine technician (electrical) is responsible for Gas Turbine System Technician Electrical (GSE) operate, repair and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on electrical components of gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment, propulsion control systems, and assigned electrical and electronic circuitry up to the printed circuit and alarm warning circuitry.
Dehghani is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Chandler.
“Growing up I learned that everyone has something different to offer," said Dehghani. "Everyone in the Navy comes from some place different.”
Dehghani is most proud of receiving the Navy Achievement Medal for his last tour.
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.
Commissioned in August of 2012, Naval Beach Unit 7 was formed to combine the three forward deployed naval forces detachments in Japan.
Personnel from the command are responsible manning and operating either the landing craft—such as the landing craft air cushion or the landing craft utility—or manage landing operations from the beach.
NBU 7 landing craft serve an important function for the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet in being able to move personnel and equipment from ship to shore.
“Being forward deployed is fast pace and it gives me the mentality of always being ready. I enjoy this mindset,” said Dehghani. “The Navy made me a lot more mature. The first time I ever got promoted in a job was in the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Dehghani 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 means doing what you have to do to meet the mission and getting your job done in the most efficient way possible while protecting our country, friends and families,” said Dehghani.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means doing what you have to do to meet the mission and getting your job done in the most efficient way possible while protecting our country, friends and families,” said Dehghani.
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.