Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 2nd Class Roget Jose, a Los Angeles native, says his oldest sister was the first to serve in the military in 2016 and he joined the following year after seeing how much she enjoyed the Navy.
Now, two years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Jose serves as the leading-edge of the Navy the nation needs.
Jose, a 2016 graduate of Glendale High School, is a master-at-arms at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet.
“We are responsible for maintaining physical and water-borne security onboard naval installations, which consist of constant parols on base, enforcing rules and regulations, maintaining vigilance and conducting anti-terrorism measures,” said Jose.
Jose credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Los Angeles.
“My hometown played a big part of who I am today,” said Jose. “I keep to heart the ability to adapt to the environment and certain situations. Growing up, I had to move to multiple schools and different areas. Instead of letting it get the worst of me, I learned to adapt and overcome.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.
“None of the commands can do their day-to-day operations without our support,” he said. “We do obtain surveillance and there are threats out there and would not be taken care of if not for security force. We also would not have any order on the installation.”
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“Being in Bahrain you experience a variety of cultures like Arabic and Filipino” said Jose. "It reminds me of home. I have had the opportunity to travel and become friends with a lot locals. I have explored parts of Bahrain that most do not because of the friends I've made."
Serving in the Navy means Jose is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Jose is most proud of becoming a United States sailor and being promoted to petty officer second class within two years of being in the Navy.
“I was able to break barriers and set an example for the young sailors. It's about your drive to succeed,” said Jose.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Jose and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am looked upon as a role model to my family and civilians as well. I take pride in serving in the Navy and I hold this career dearly,” said Jose.