Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Pasadena native serves aboard forward-deployed Navy warship in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN. - Fireman Richard Perkins, a native of Pasadena, Texas, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel
Perkins graduated from Santa Fe High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pasadena.

“I learned discipline and having courtesy for other people,” said Perkins.

Perkins joined the Navy two years ago. 

“I joined the Navy to follow in my family's footsteps,” said Perkins. "My uncle and my sister both served in the Army."

USS Rafael Peralta, a 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 Rafael Peralta 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.

Perkins 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.”

Perkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is earning my Navy Achievement Medal,” said Perkins.

Perkins can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means having a way for a better life,” said Perkins.

Perkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my father,” added Perkins. "He helped me prepare physically for the challenges of the military."