By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Daytona Beach, Florida, native and 2013 Calvary Christian Academy graduate is serving in Japan in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the forward-deployed mine countermeasures ship, USS Warrior.
Petty Officer 3rd Class DeVaughn McLendon is a mineman aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, operating out of Sasebo, Japan. The ship routinely deploys to protect alliances, enhance partnerships, and be ready to respond if a natural disaster occurs in the region.
A Navy mineman is responsible for assisting in the detection and neutralization of underwater mines. They test various electronic components to ensure proper repair and make sure that the mine works properly. They are also responsible for safe storage, handling and loading of mines for transporting.
McLendon is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Daytona Beach.
“I learned a good work ethic and persistence from my high school basketball coach, Coach Fitzgerald," said McLendon. "He was a mentor since middle school. He brought me in and helped me in basketball and was a role model. He always told me to stay strong and never get discouraged, to stay motivated.”
McLendon thus far is proud of receiving his enlisted surface warfare qualification pin. He believes that not procrastinating and putting in that extra to finish the qualification. Receiving this qualification motivates him to help others get qualified.
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.
With a crew of more than 80, USS Warrior is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. USS Warrior is one of the Navy’s 11 Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships that are designed to neutralize mines from vital waterways and harbors. There are four minesweepers in Sasebo as part of the forward-deployed mine countermeasures force that are on-call to respond in the event of a mine-clearing operation in the Indo-Pacific.
MCMs in Sasebo routinely operate with allies and partners to build mine countermeasures proficiency and sustain our alliances.
“It feels good to be needed while serving here," said McLendon. "I feel like we always need to be ready, there’s always a lot of things that I do on the ship. My work ethic has become a lot better since joining the Navy. I can handle certain situations better. I’ve become better conditioned not to speak out. I’ve learned how to respect others. I’ve learned lot about myself and others.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, McLendon and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“My favorite part of this command are the people here,” said McLendon. “There’s not one person that I don’t get along with. I feel comfortable talking to anyone.”
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 mineman is responsible for assisting in the detection and neutralization of underwater mines. They test various electronic components to ensure proper repair and make sure that the mine works properly. They are also responsible for safe storage, handling and loading of mines for transporting.
McLendon is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Daytona Beach.
“I learned a good work ethic and persistence from my high school basketball coach, Coach Fitzgerald," said McLendon. "He was a mentor since middle school. He brought me in and helped me in basketball and was a role model. He always told me to stay strong and never get discouraged, to stay motivated.”
McLendon thus far is proud of receiving his enlisted surface warfare qualification pin. He believes that not procrastinating and putting in that extra to finish the qualification. Receiving this qualification motivates him to help others get qualified.
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.
With a crew of more than 80, USS Warrior is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. USS Warrior is one of the Navy’s 11 Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships that are designed to neutralize mines from vital waterways and harbors. There are four minesweepers in Sasebo as part of the forward-deployed mine countermeasures force that are on-call to respond in the event of a mine-clearing operation in the Indo-Pacific.
MCMs in Sasebo routinely operate with allies and partners to build mine countermeasures proficiency and sustain our alliances.
“It feels good to be needed while serving here," said McLendon. "I feel like we always need to be ready, there’s always a lot of things that I do on the ship. My work ethic has become a lot better since joining the Navy. I can handle certain situations better. I’ve become better conditioned not to speak out. I’ve learned how to respect others. I’ve learned lot about myself and others.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, McLendon and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“My favorite part of this command are the people here,” said McLendon. “There’s not one person that I don’t get along with. I feel comfortable talking to anyone.”
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.