SASEBO, Japan – A Port St. Lucie, Florida, native and 2008 Seminal Ridge Community High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Bernardo is a boatswain's mate operating in Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy boatswain's mate maintains and preserves the exterior surfaces of the ship, handles deck machinery and equipment, handles mooring lines, handles cargo, operates small boats, and takes part in various evolutions such as search and rescue and underway replenishment.
Bernardo is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Port St. Lucie.
“I learned from working jobs growing up to work hard and give people the respect they deserve,” said Bernardo.
Bernardo thus far is proud of recently receiving the Sailor of the Quarter award. He was recognized for helping out in extinguishing a fire. He is proud to know that he is noticed for his hard work and training. He feels like he contributes to the overall mission with the support he provides to the command.
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 the operational tempo being deployed here, we’re always busy and constantly doing our job," said Bernardo. "It’s not just busy work to get us through the day, we’re actually training and preparing the crafts for the next day. I also enjoy learning another culture, seeing the farms and temples and meeting the people or Japan.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Bernardo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I enjoy serving in the Navy because I get to visit the countries I thought I’d never visit like Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. I’ve traveled to 36 countries in 8 years, so I can’t complain too much,” said Bernardo. “Also, I feel it’s my duty to give back to the country for what its given me and my parents. Since joining the Navy it’s taught me to see things in the long range and big picture.”
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.