YOKOSUKA, Japan- - Fireman Blake Ellwood, a native of Pflugerville, Texas, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Ellwood graduated from Hendrickson High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pflugerville.
“Growing up, I played a lot of sports and was always part of a team,” said Ellwood. “That taught me from a young age how to stay resilient and keep myself focused on the end goal.”
Ellwood joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and earn a steady paycheck,” said Ellwood. “Being able to defend my loved ones back at home is also an amazing feeling.”
USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class 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.
Ellwood 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.”
Ellwood has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the fact I made the best decision I could make at an early age and am starting my life off on the right track,” said Ellwood. “I know I am setting myself up for success and continue to work hard every day to prepare my life for the future.”
Ellwood can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting and defending those who need it most,” said Ellwood. “The Navy does its part in allowing others back at home to sleep safely at night.”
Ellwood is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support of every decision I make,” added Ellwood. “They are always there for me and help me wherever I am.”