YOKOSUKA, JAPAN. - Hospitalman Maria Roepke, a native of Acworth, Georgia, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Acworth.
“I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and to never stop growing and learning,” said Roepke.
Roepke joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Roepke serves as a hospital corpsman.
“My family is in the Navy, and I am following in my family's footsteps,” said Roepke. "My grandfather served in the Army during Korea, and my dad served in the Army. That's how my parents met. He was stationed in Panama and my mom was a doctor there. The rest is history. My brother was in the Navy as an officer, and once I saw him I knew I needed to be in that uniform. Plus my birthday is Dec. 7.”
December 7 has special significance in the Navy due to the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
USS Rafael Peralta, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer 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 tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Rafael Peralta Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Roepke serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Roepke has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being selected as Sailor of the Week,” said Roepke.
Roepke can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I am proud to serve my country and to protect the rights of those I care for,” said Roepke. "I want to be a positive influence to those around me. I specifically chose to be a hospital corpsman so I can help my fellow sailors."
Roepke is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” added Roepke. "They are my biggest supporters; especially my mom. She is the strongest woman I have ever met. She's a strong lady, and I want to be like her. She’s someone who cares for others around them and always works hard."
“It is never too late to start your life's journey,” added Roepke. "I joined when I was 29 but I made it. I am one year away from a bachelor's degree in health sciences and my ultimate goal of being a physician assistant."