By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – An El Monte, California, native and 2009 El Monte High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS).
Petty Officer 3rd Class John Tran 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 ensuring the safety of the base.
“Where I grew up, there was a lot of diversity,” said Tran. “The culture diversity is one thing I bring to my Navy career. It made it an easy transition when you come to work with people from so many different backgrounds. I like helping people out whenever they need help and this command is helpful in return.”
Tran has earned a Nuclear Weapons Security Pin, which is only available in select commands.
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’ve learned a lot while serving overseas,” said Tran. “I used to be very soft spoken. The Navy helped me open up and speak up. That’s why I chose to be a master-at-arms because it could help me in the future.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Tran 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 helping anybody in need,” said Tran.
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.