YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Utley, a native of Mullins, South Carolina, 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 |
Utley graduated from Mullins High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mullins.
“I learned to keep my head on a swivel and to be open to everything,” said Utley.
Utley joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Utley serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy for travel and career opportunities,” said Utley.
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.
Utley 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.”
Utley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of mentoring junior sailors,” said Utley.
Utley can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means giving my life for our country,” said Utley.
Utley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friend, Ty-shaun Hickson,” added Utley. "He was the last driving nail to help me join the Navy. He serves in the Navy as well."
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.
Utley 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.”
Utley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of mentoring junior sailors,” said Utley.
Utley can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means giving my life for our country,” said Utley.
Utley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friend, Ty-shaun Hickson,” added Utley. "He was the last driving nail to help me join the Navy. He serves in the Navy as well."