YOKOSUKA, JAPAN. - Seaman Nehemiah Summers, a native of Springfield, Illinois, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Springfield.
“I learned how to be a 'people person' and how to adapt to different situations,” said Summers.
Summers joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Summers serves as a religious program specialist.
“I joined the Navy because my grandfather was in the Navy,” said Summers. "He was a culinary specialist."
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.
Summers 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.”
Summers has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of helping to set up Catholic mass services with the chaplain,” said Summers. "There is a lot of work that goes into it and it was a great learning experience."
Summers can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than yourself, helping others, and protecting the ones you love,” said Summers. "It also means being responsible."
Summers is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, my dad, my A-school in Rhode Island, and my petty officer in boot camp MA1 Barragan,” added Summers.