SASEBO, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Price, a native of El Paso, Texas, was inspired by his family to join the Navy. His brother also serves in the Navy and was his number one inspiration because of the sea stories his brother had.
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| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“It’s so fast-paced on the ship and there is a lot of people on the ship so underway we can get on each other’s nerves,” said Price. “We are such a tight-knit group that we are able to overcome our struggles. I feel a sense of camaraderie like no other.”
Price, a 2016 graduate of Canutillo High School, is a boatswain's mate aboard the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay in Sasebo, Japan.
“I’m in charge of the appearance of the ship,” said Price. “I’m also in charge of small boat operations, and transport of marines.”
Price credits some success in the Navy to lessons learned in El Paso.
“I grew up in a rough neighborhood but with great support of family so I had it instilled in me at a young age to not give up on anything,” said Price. “Just because you don’t like something or something isn’t going great, you can’t just quit. I feel like it prepared me for the Navy because you can’t just quit when times get tough in the Navy. You have to try your best to get through the situation and better yourself and grow.”
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.
“I think compared to other parts of the world it’s very fast-paced here because we are always out to sea and away from family,” said Price. “Our work schedule is like no other, I know everyone works hard doing regular job but we are on a 24-hour schedule, we take it to another level. There are many sleepless nights.”
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.
"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."
These ships support missions from sea to shore, special operations and other warfare missions. They also serve as secondary aviation platforms. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice, according to Navy officials.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Green Bay. More than 400 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 700 Marines can be embarked. Green Bay is capable of transporting Marines and landing them where they are needed using helicopters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and other water-to-shore craft.
Serving in the Navy means Price 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. Price is most proud of having the distinction of primary coxswain on the ship.
“To me that is a very big deal, I’m the primary point of contact if someone falls overboard and when we do visit, board, search, and seizure missions,” said Price. “It’s a huge responsibility but I enjoy it. It feels good to know that I’m trusted to do a job like that.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Price and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“It’s an honor to protect my family back home,” said Price. “This country has done a lot for me and my family. I’m willing to put my life on the line and to sacrifice for my country. Nlonsibisepyariae, not for himself but for his country,” said Price.