SASEBO, Japan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Rhodes, a native of Pennellville, New York, said he had grown wary of paying for college out of pocket. He did not want to become saddled with student debt, and knew he wanted to experience the military eventually.
“I said ‘why not now?’” Rhodes said.
 |
| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“You get to know everybody. There's a lot of camaraderie in the ship,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes, a 2013 graduate of John C. Birdlebough High School, is a crytological technician (technical) aboard the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay in Sasebo, Japan.
“I’m responsible for the upkeep and operational readiness of the equipment that protects the ship from incoming missiles,” he said. “I fix it if it's broken.”
Rhodes credits some success in the Navy to lessons learned in Pennellville.
“Growing up, I worked on a farm and that built my work ethic,” he said. “I can't stand to do nothing all day, it makes me want to do something with my hands and make sure I'm active.”
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.
“There’s a culture shock,” Rhodes said. “It’s different, coming from the states, not being a minority there and then coming here and being a minority where you’re struggling with the language. But the Japanese are very polite and helpful and it's very safe here.”
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 Rhodes 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. Rhodes is most proud of the critical day-to-day work he performs to keep ship systems serviceable.
“I can say ‘Ok, I got that back to where it’s operational, and now we can go underway,” he said. “That gives me a little pride. It's like, ‘I did this, and now we're ready to go.’”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rhodes and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy isn't bad, it gives you three hots and a cot and a paycheck twice a month,” Rhodes said. “All you've got to do is power through the challenges and work. But make sure you pick the job you like, don't just settle for whatever the recruiter says.”