YOKOSUKA, Japan - Seaman Thomas Furnish, a native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, 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 |
Furnish graduated from Maple Grove Senior High in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maple Grove.
“Before enlisting in the Navy I worked in the restaurant industry,” said Furnish. “While working in a busy restaurant or on a ship underway, you need to move quickly and have your head on a swivel.”
Furnish joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Furnish serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy in search of a better life,” said Furnish. “I always wanted to travel and see what the world had to offer. Being able to immerse myself in another culture while working and serving my country is an amazing experience.”
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.
Furnish 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.”
Furnish has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that I have been able to successfully complete my first deployment and to be part of such an amazing team,” said Furnish.
Furnish can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy ensures free trade and helps protect our allies throughout the world to keep ourselves and our interests safe and prosperous,” said Furnish.
Furnish is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my command for showing me the ropes and helping me learn so much so quickly,” said Furnish.
Furnish offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.“The Navy gives people the ability to earn a great living while also helping them achieve a college degree at the same time,” added Furnish.