SASEBO, Japan – A Pago Pago, American Samoa, native and 2009 Faga’itua High School, Pago Pago graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Airman Cynthol Fuata is an aviation boatswain's mate (fueling) operating in Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy aviation boatswain's mate (fueling) is responsible for operating, maintaining, and performing maintenance on aviation and craft fueling and oil lubrication systems.
Fuata is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Pago Pago.
“I learned integrity, leadership, and respect from my elders and my parents, it’s a cultural thing,” said Fuata. “It’s easier for me in the Navy because you need to always respect your leaders and trust in people, trust that they have better. Also, if you want to be treated fairly, do unto others what you want them to do to you.”
Fuata thus far is most proud of receiving the Sailor of the Month award by the admiral when he recently visited the command. She received this award for her hard work revamping the hazmat program at the command. She feels accomplished knowing that people noticed her hard work.
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.
“Since joining the Navy it has made me a better leader, I’m more confident in myself and in front of people,” said Fuata.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Fuata and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I enjoy being stationed here in Japan, it’s given me the opportunity to visit and see places I never would have visited,” said Fuata.
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.