YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Roman Gomez, 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 |
Gomez graduated from Waltrip High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I played soccer growing up and enjoyed being a part of a team and working together on a common goal,” said Gomez. “It is important to me to know I can help others and that others can count and depend on me.”
Gomez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Gomez serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy to set myself up for success,” said Gomez. “I didn’t want to do the traditional route of college but I knew I wanted to achieve my full potential. The Navy gave me that opportunity.”
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.
Gomez 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.”
Gomez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that I was able to travel the East Asia Sea and see so many amazing sights,” said Gomez. “I had no idea that in three short years, I would have learned and seen so many amazing things. Making Blue Jacket of the Quarter and then Blue Jacket of the Year and picking up second class were all just bonuses.”
Gomez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means upholding the Sailor's Creed,” said Gomez. “We stick up for the little guys and help those who are in the most need. We continue to build connections and relationships with countries around the world to promote peace.”
Gomez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Hailey for always being there for me and for making me a better man,” added Gomez. “She has followed me wherever I have to go and never complained. She is my champion.”