YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameron Nichols, a native of Madison, Alabama, wanted join the Navy to travel and earn an education.
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| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“The work is busy but fulfilling,” said Nichols. “It’s great to make all of these connections with different kinds of people, people I thought I’d never meet.”
Nichols, a 2009 graduate of Bob Jones High School, is a cryptologic technician (technical) aboard the Yokosuka, Japan-based ship, one of several in its class forward-deployed to the region.
“I maintain a data house on a computer system,” said Nichols.
Nichols credits success in the Navy to some of the lessons learned in Madison.
“My grandfather was in the Army and he would tell me to know what you are told, how you are told, and when you are told to do it,” said Nichols. “If you just listen and do the job right most things will fall into place.”
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’ve never been to the 7th Fleet,” said Nichols. “It’s a lot more strict but strict in a more defined way. We are at the tip of spear because of where we are located.”
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."
Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems. Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups.
Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does. It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.
John S. McCain has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.
Serving in the Navy means Nichols 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. Nichols is most proud of having the opportunity to travel the world.
“Being able to sail all over Europe, Africa, and Asia is an amazing feeling,” said Nichols. “I never thought I'd be able to say that I've sailed the world."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Nichols and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“To me, serving in the Navy is not so much about sacrifice but about proving that there’s nothing that’s not impossible,” said Nichols. “I try to aim my goals high and test to see if I can achieve those goals.”