YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 1st Class George Monroe, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
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Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Monroe graduated from Alpharetta High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alpharetta.
“I learned growing up that if you put your name on it, make sure the product is good,” said Monroe. "Nobody gets it right the first time. So keep trying again and again and again and be patient until you get it right."
Monroe joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Monroe serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to change my path,” said Monroe. “I wanted a different trajectory and I wanted to make a difference. I also had 13 brothers and sisters, so it was time to get out of the house.”
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 sailors.
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.
Monroe 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.”
Monroe has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I've been proud of helping sailors under me grow,” said Monroe. "I've helped teach them some life lessons. It's kind of like raising kids over and over again."
Monroe can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means contributing to the bigger picture and helping keep people safe,” said Monroe.
“My dad was a big influence,” added Monroe. "He's the one who really taught me about perseverance, and that working hard is even more important than being smart."