Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – A Killingly, Connecticut, native and 1999 Pomfret School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS).
Lt. Joe Horton is a staff judge advocate serving with the region legal service office, Japan located at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, operating out of Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy staff judge advocate provides general counsel services and advice to the installation commander on all legal manners. They also provide legal advice on administrative, military justice, ethics, operations, and employment law to commanders, Sailors, Navy families, as well as civilians who are attached to the command.
“I learned from my mother, who would bend over backwards to help others, to give service to your community,” said Horton. “I learned from my stepfather, John Wildes, who served in the Navy as a chief, to give service to your country. I carry those with me today.”
Horton thus far is most proud of volunteering as a legal coach at a local school. He is the coach and mock trial competition organizer. He spends ten hours a week coaching kids on the fundamentals of a trial. He sets up mock trials to help them understand the legal system. He strives to help kids and young adults who have an interest in pursuing a career in legal.
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 love being at the tip of the spear,” said Horton. “I love supporting the fleet here at CFAS. The ships and the crews are out there at the fore front in Japan, defending our country and our freedom. The legal office supports the fleet and its mission of ensuring stability in the region. The Navy has given me the opportunity to serve, work, and interact with people from all over the world. It’s exposed me to the diversity of the American workforce. It’s made me have a better understanding and appreciation of many different people and their cultures and perspectives.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Horton and other Sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I want to serve with the world’s greatest Navy. I love serving with the finest sailors and people,” said Horton. “I serve in the Navy to put my country first. I want to ensure that my family back home is safe and sound in America and that they stay safe.”
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 staff judge advocate provides general counsel services and advice to the installation commander on all legal manners. They also provide legal advice on administrative, military justice, ethics, operations, and employment law to commanders, Sailors, Navy families, as well as civilians who are attached to the command.
“I learned from my mother, who would bend over backwards to help others, to give service to your community,” said Horton. “I learned from my stepfather, John Wildes, who served in the Navy as a chief, to give service to your country. I carry those with me today.”
Horton thus far is most proud of volunteering as a legal coach at a local school. He is the coach and mock trial competition organizer. He spends ten hours a week coaching kids on the fundamentals of a trial. He sets up mock trials to help them understand the legal system. He strives to help kids and young adults who have an interest in pursuing a career in legal.
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 love being at the tip of the spear,” said Horton. “I love supporting the fleet here at CFAS. The ships and the crews are out there at the fore front in Japan, defending our country and our freedom. The legal office supports the fleet and its mission of ensuring stability in the region. The Navy has given me the opportunity to serve, work, and interact with people from all over the world. It’s exposed me to the diversity of the American workforce. It’s made me have a better understanding and appreciation of many different people and their cultures and perspectives.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Horton and other Sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I want to serve with the world’s greatest Navy. I love serving with the finest sailors and people,” said Horton. “I serve in the Navy to put my country first. I want to ensure that my family back home is safe and sound in America and that they stay safe.”
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.