YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Yi Liu, a native of Flushing, New York, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Liu graduated from Flushing International High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Flushing.
“I learned growing up that you have to be ready to speak up if something is wrong,” said Liu. "I also learned not to hold back when I need to speak out against something. You need to do that in a respectful way, of course. It’s the same way in the Navy."
Liu joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Liu serves as an operations specialist.
“At first, I didn't want to join the Navy but my mom brought me to the recruiter,” said Liu. “Later, my mom decided she didn't want me to join anymore but I did. I thought about it and decided that it would give me the opportunity to learn how to manage my own life.
USS John Finn, an Arleigh Burke-class 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 John Finn. 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.
Liu 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.”
Liu has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to have gotten through my time as an undesignated sailor,” said Liu. "There was a lot to do as an undesignated seaman on my last ship. I'm proud that I worked through it. It was a lot of hard work."
Liu can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service is all about protecting your country,” added Liu. "When you're protecting your country, you're also protecting your family. If your country's not safe, the environment your family is in won't be safe either."