YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Walsh, a native of Bluffton, South Carolina, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Walsh graduated from Bluffton High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bluffton.
“I learned the value of hard work,” said Walsh. "This environment requires it."
Walsh joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Walsh serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined on a whim,” said Walsh. "I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so I thought I'd join the Navy for a few years to figure it out."
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 percent 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.
Walsh 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.”
Walsh has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I've mastered pharmacology,” said Walsh. "Normally, a pharmacy tech works under a pharmacist. Here, I'm the subject matter expert who makes sure everyone gets safe care."
Walsh can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service is putting the mission before yourself,” said Walsh.
Walsh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad,” added Walsh. "He was supportive of my decision to do it. He's still very proud that I'm continuing to do what I'm doing."