By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SASEBO, Japan – – A Westminster, California, native and 2008 Katella High School graduate is serving in Japan in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the forward-deployed mine countermeasures ship, USS Patriot.
Ensign Vinh Nguyen is a repair officer 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 repair officer is responsible for ensuring the ship is ready and capable for fighting fires, floods, and repairing structural damages aboard the ship.
Nguyen is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Westminster.
“I remember what my high school teacher taught me, to enjoy and have fun with what you have. No matter how hard the work is, stay focused and enjoy your life,” said Nguyen. “These lessons help me daily. I feel glad to be in the Navy. Even though the job can get tough, I just try to have fun and maintain a positive mentality throughout the mission.”
Nguyen thus far is proud of his department passing all of their engineering inspections. He feels comfortable with his department and confident that his department can get the job done.
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, USS Patriot is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. USS Patriot 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.
“Some days here the workload is tough, late hours, but at same time it’s worth it because you’re able to live and visit another county like Japan, to see a different perspective of the world,” said Nguyen. "I’ve improved a lot since joining the Navy. I’ve improved social skills and I’m more confident in myself. I feel a great sense of fulfillment in life. Overall, I’ve become a better person.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I learn a lot from the whole chain of command from the top to the bottom," said Nguyen. "We all respect each other and we treat each other equally. I plan to learn from that and carry it with me throughout my career. I feel proud to serve and I love the job I have.”
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 repair officer is responsible for ensuring the ship is ready and capable for fighting fires, floods, and repairing structural damages aboard the ship.
Nguyen is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Westminster.
“I remember what my high school teacher taught me, to enjoy and have fun with what you have. No matter how hard the work is, stay focused and enjoy your life,” said Nguyen. “These lessons help me daily. I feel glad to be in the Navy. Even though the job can get tough, I just try to have fun and maintain a positive mentality throughout the mission.”
Nguyen thus far is proud of his department passing all of their engineering inspections. He feels comfortable with his department and confident that his department can get the job done.
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, USS Patriot is 224 feet long and weighs approximately 1,300 tons. USS Patriot 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.
“Some days here the workload is tough, late hours, but at same time it’s worth it because you’re able to live and visit another county like Japan, to see a different perspective of the world,” said Nguyen. "I’ve improved a lot since joining the Navy. I’ve improved social skills and I’m more confident in myself. I feel a great sense of fulfillment in life. Overall, I’ve become a better person.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I learn a lot from the whole chain of command from the top to the bottom," said Nguyen. "We all respect each other and we treat each other equally. I plan to learn from that and carry it with me throughout my career. I feel proud to serve and I love the job I have.”
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.