YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Wieland, a native of Saxeville, Wisconsin, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Wieland graduated from Wild Rose High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saxeville.
“Coming from a family and town where hard work and discipline were important has helped me succeed my first five years,” said Wieland.
Wieland joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Wieland serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy for a better life and to travel the world,” said Wieland.
USS John Finn, 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 USS John Finn. 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.
Wieland 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.”
Wieland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that being able to make second class so early on in my career,” said Wieland. “I am now able to help those younger than me and make their lives easier.”
Wieland can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the opportunity to give back to my country,” said Wieland. “The Navy keeps the world's waterways free for everyone and being a part of that is an amazing feeling.”
Wieland is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for always being there for me,” added Wieland. “Having family back at home makes doing this job so much more meaningful.”