YOKOSUKA, Japan- - Petty Officer 2nd Class Megan Garibay, a native of Houston, Texas, 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 |
Garibay graduated from Bellaire Highschool in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned growing up that things can change quickly and in the blink of an eye,” said Garibay. “Learning to adapt to those changes can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it's something that has to happen. And eventually, you'll be okay.”
Garibay joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Garibay serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to support myself and grow as a person,” said Garibay. “I know I had more to offer than what was available to me back home and I wanted to push myself to learn and grow.”
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.
Garibay 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.”
Garibay has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that I have grown into a much more confident woman and sailor,” said Garibay. “I have learned to stand up for myself and take charge of my life.”
Garibay can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Being in the Navy means working as a team,” said Garibay. “We all come together to work towards one main goal, protecting and defending those who need it most no matter where they are or when they need us.”
Garibay is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank everyone in my command for welcoming me into the fleet and making this career the most amazing experience I could imagine,” said Garibay.
Garibay offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.
“For people who are unsure of their future and want to find a meaningful career with amazing benefits, the Navy is for you,” added Garibay.