SASEBO, Japan – A Washington Court House, Ohio, native and 1995 Miami Trace High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward-deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Petty Officer 1st Class Leslie Hudson 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.
Hudson is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Washington Court House.
“I’ve learned you don’t judge a book by its cover growing up in my small town,” said Hudson. “This has improved me as a person because of where I was raised.”
Hudson thus far is most proud of mentoring junior sailors. He enjoys seeing their progress and growth. He enjoys seeing others accomplish things and achieve their goals. He feels as though he contributes to their success.
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.
“This is a unique command. Since I’ve been to other amphibious ships, being here you see the other side of the amphibious Navy,” said Hudson. “You get to see some cool things and do cool stuff.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Hudson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Knowing that I’m doing something that very few people are willing to do, that’s why I’m proud of serving,” said Hudson. “The Navy has taught me a lot of patience and control. This helps me because the Navy is so different and the work is tough. I do enjoy meeting different groups of people and ethnicities around the world. I get to learn about cultures I would never have known.”