YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class TJ Nguyen, a native of Houston, Texas, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Nguyen graduated from Cy-Creek High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned from a very young age how to work through my struggles and never give up,” said Nguyen. “Even when we have hard days and are far away from home, our families know that this all has a meaning and I am part of a better purpose.”
Nguyen joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Nguyen serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my family's steps, serve my country and start a more productive life,” said Nguyen.
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.
Nguyen 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.”
Nguyen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that I have been qualified as a five-inch technician which lets me work on amazing equipment throughout our ship,” said Nguyen. “I have also been able to travel to so many amazing countries and witness different cultures.”
Nguyen can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means sacrifice,” said Nguyen. “Being able to sacrifice personal and family time for the betterment of others and our homeland makes me proud.”
Nguyen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my sister for showing me the way and putting me on this track to success," added Nguyen. “Having family back at home makes doing this job so much more meaningful.”