SASEBO, Japan – A Santa Ana, California, native and 2015 Century High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Airman Timothy Solano is an aviation support equipment technician operating in Sasebo, Japan.
A Navy aviation support equipment technician is responsible for operating, maintaining, repairing and testing automotive electrical systems in ground equipment, gasoline and diesel systems, and associated automotive, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Solano is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Santa Ana.
“Growing up I was taught to always try and be humble and always be grateful for what you have that helps you have a positive outlook on everything,” said Solano. "The best part of my job is that it is a small community of people and everyone gets along with each other,” added Solano.
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.
“Being forward deployed is awesome,” said Solano. “The Navy has given me a lot more confidence when I talk to people and I am not as timid as I used to be.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Solano 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 is a great honor," said Solano. "I have family that serves in the Navy and it feels great to be a part of it.”
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.