YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Edwards, a native of Aberdeen, Maryland, came from a proud family of military service members. He wanted to join the Navy to keep the tradition going.
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| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“It’s hectic to say the least, it can be a lot, the work load increases all the time,” said Edwards. “As long as you stick with a routine and stay busy, you’ll be ok.”
“I enjoy it though, it makes you into a better person because you don’t have the freedoms and distractions of the outside world, so you’re forced to do other things like playing cards, reading, working out,” said Edwards. “These are all good for you to make you into a better person.”
Edwards, a 2013 graduate of Aberdeen High School, is an electronics technician aboard the Yokosuka, Japan-based ship, one of three cruisers forward-deployed to the region.
“I’m the communications technician on the ship,” said Edwards. “I maintain the satellite communications and any communication systems on the ship.”
Edwards credits success in the Navy to lessons learned in Aberdeen.
“My parents would always tell me to just stay positive,” said Edwards. “If there’s anything that brings you down, try to laugh it off and find a positive or strength in it and try to lift yourself up. Try to learn anything and everything you can so you can always be prepared for whatever.”
U.S. 7th Fleet 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. U.S. 7th Fleet's area of operations 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.
“You learn a lot more on-the-job training here and a lot more applicable training that you learn for the real world,” said Edwards. “You really become more of a proficient individual the more you learn and do.”
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 Yokosuka is part of that long-standing commitment.
"The Navy is forward-deployed to provide security and strengthen relationships in a free and open Indo-Pacific. It's not just the ships and aircraft that have shown up to prevent conflict and promote peace," said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "It is, and will continue to be our people who define the role our Navy plays around the world. People who've made a choice, and have the will and strength of character to make a difference."
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Serving in the Navy means Edwards 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.”
There are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career. Edwards is most proud of being the leader he strives to be. He also enjoys being a mentor to the younger sailors.
“It’s because I feel like I know enough to learn more and advance, that’s the time to pass that knowledge on to the younger people,” said Edwards.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Edwards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“I feel like this was the right move to make, joining the Navy,” said Edwards. “If it doesn’t make me into the person I want to be, it will at least make me into the person I need to be.”