YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 1st Class David Hart, a native of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 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 |
Hart graduated from East Bridgewater High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in East Bridgewater.
“Before the Navy, I worked as an electrician,” said Hart. "That showed me that working hard and being detail-oriented pays off in the long run."
Hart joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Hart serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and travel the world,” said Hart.
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.
Hart 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.”
Hart has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of coordinating with the White House team to conduct a virtual video exchange with the president while the ship was underway,” said Hart.
Hart can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving allows me to take pride in my country, protect the ones I love and do really cool things,” added Hart. "It's the best job I've ever had."