SASEBO, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Corena Wright, a native of Mountain Home, Idaho, wanted to carry on with the proud family tradition of serving in the military. She had two grandfathers who served in the Army and her father served in the Air Force. Wright wanted to start a new legacy of not only being the first person in her family to serve in the Navy, but also the first woman in her family to serve in the military.
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| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“Every day is the same here but it’s easy that way because you get into a routine and everything is planned out for you,” said Wright. “A lot of people don’t like it but I think it’s better that way. All you really have to worry about is to be where you are supposed to be and to be on time.”
Wright, a 2014 graduate of Mountain Home Senior High School, is an aircrew survival equipmentman aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Wasp in Sasebo, Japan.
“We are in charge of any sewing projects on the ship such as sewing name tags, uniforms, curtains, and flight suits for the crew,” Wright. “We are also in charge of maintaining the oxygen regulators for the flight crews, as well as, maintaining the night vision goggles.”
Wright credits some success in the Navy to lessons learned in Mountain Home.
“My dad would always tell me to be early and you will always be on time,” said Wright.
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.
“Being able to travel is unique as well as experiencing different cultures,” said Wright. “One of my favorite things is being out to sea.”
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."
Wasp, one of the Navy's most advanced amphibious ships, is designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard USS Wasp. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weapons to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked. USS Wasp is capable of transporting Marines and landing them where they are needed using helicopters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and other water-to-shore landing craft.
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.
Serving in the Navy means Wright 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. Wright is most proud of being able to requalify for her air warfare specialist qualification.
“Requalifying for my air warfare specialist pin was one thing that sticks out because it is a culmination of a lot of hard work and studying,” said Wright.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Wright and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“I’m honored to serve in the Navy,” said Wright. “I feel proud to leave my footprint in a history.”