SASEBO, Japan – A Chicago native and 2008 Chicago Christian High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Phillip Lavada is an aviation boatswain's mate (fuels) operating forward in Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy aviation boatswain's mate (fuels) operate, maintain, and perform organizational maintenance on aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems in CVs, LPHs, and LPDs, including aviation fuel and lubricating oil service stations and pumprooms, piping, valves, pumps, tanks, and portable equipment related to the fuel system.
Lavada is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Chicago.
“Growing up I learned a lot of patience and perserverance no matter how hard life can get you just keep on going,” said Lavada.
Lavada enjoys the fast-pace actions and teamwork that comes from being a boatswain's mate.
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.
“I like being forward deployed because of the traveleing, seeing a lot of cultrues, meeting a lot of people,” said Lavada. “The Navy showed me how to stay positive because it affects the people around you and makes your job easier.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Lavada 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 a lot to me not only do I serve my country but I serve the people back at home and I live by the Ronald Reagan quote 'Peace through strength,'” said Lavada.
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.