Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan – A San Diego native and 2014 The Preuss School UC San Diego graduate is serving in Japan in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the forward-deployed mine countermeasures ship, USS Chief.
Seaman Hector Camargolopez 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.
Camargolopez is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of San Diego.
“My dad taught me to stay humble and respect others,” said Camargolopez. “This helps me in the Navy because there’s a lot of diversity.”
Camargolopez thus far is proud of recently receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal award. He received this award as a seaman which is an accomplishment. He states that he would never have imagined receiving the award. He feels motivated to keep working hard.
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, Chief is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. Chief 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 is tough being deployed here because you’re away from the things you know and are used to,” said Camargolopez. “But I think that there are good things that come with being here, like traveling and living in other countries. I’ve learned so much in the Navy. I’ve developed a sense of character in the Navy and in life.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Camargolopez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I serve in the Navy to better myself as a person, it’s a great stepping stone for my future,” said Camargolopez.
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.
Camargolopez is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of San Diego.
“My dad taught me to stay humble and respect others,” said Camargolopez. “This helps me in the Navy because there’s a lot of diversity.”
Camargolopez thus far is proud of recently receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal award. He received this award as a seaman which is an accomplishment. He states that he would never have imagined receiving the award. He feels motivated to keep working hard.
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, Chief is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. Chief 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 is tough being deployed here because you’re away from the things you know and are used to,” said Camargolopez. “But I think that there are good things that come with being here, like traveling and living in other countries. I’ve learned so much in the Navy. I’ve developed a sense of character in the Navy and in life.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Camargolopez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I serve in the Navy to better myself as a person, it’s a great stepping stone for my future,” said Camargolopez.
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.