YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Johnson, a native of St. Ann, Jamaica, was inspired by his father to join the Navy. His father served in the Army.
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| Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
“The underways are busy and we work very long hours,” said Johnson. “It’s good though because I feel like if I went back home and worked a civilian job, it would be a piece of cake. There’s nothing like being out in the middle of the ocean and seeing nothing but a starry night.”
Johnson, a 2010 graduate of Ferncourt High School in Jamaica, is an electronics technician aboard the Yokosuka, Japan-based ship, one of three cruisers forward-deployed to the region.
“I’m in charge of the navigation equipment on the ship using SPS-73 radar,” said Johnson.
Johnson credits success in the Navy to lessons learned in St. Ann.
“I knew my dad served in the Army but I didn’t know what his job was,” said Johnson. “After I joined the Navy, he told me that he was an electrician also while serving in the Army. He told me that he wanted me to choose my own path. I think it’s crazy because I’m also an electrician, so it felt like it was meant to be.”
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 in Japan is amazing, never thought I’d end up here,” said Johnson. “I love the people and the culture, there’s so much history here, so much to explore.”
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 Johnson 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. Johnson is most proud of advancing to the next rank of petty officer third class.
“I feel like making petty officer is a big step up in anyone’s naval career,” said Johnson. “It’s the first rank in the Navy that actually shows on your uniform.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Johnson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“It feels like a lot of people don’t know what we do out here,” said Johnson. “To me, I know that people back home can rest easy not knowing all the things that we go through. I’m willing to work that sixteen-hour work day, day after day, so they don’t have to.”