YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 3rd Class Y-Nhi Nguyen, a native of Tempe, Arizona, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Nguyen graduated from McClintock High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tempe.
“My father had a saying that went 'Be careful playing with ink,’” said Nguyen. "He meant that ink can be messy. Negative influences and negative friends are like ink. If you have bad influences around you, it will spill into your life and affect you."
Nguyen joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Nguyen serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy primarily so that I could go to college after,” said Nguyen. "I also wanted to make sure that my family wouldn't worry about my ability to achieve my goals. By serving, I'm helping them to see that I can create a safe and secure future for myself."
USS Raphael 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 Raphael 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.
Nguyen 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.”
Nguyen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm generally proud of meeting the people I've met and for making connections,” said Nguyen. "I've learned a lot from them and I feel like those interactions have helped me mature in my own life."
Nguyen can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service means serving people who can't protect themselves,” said Nguyen. "We're helping those who need it and helping keep things balanced in the world."
Nguyen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my grandfather,” added Nguyen. "He was a sailor and was a big part of my inspiration to join the Navy. I'd also like to thank my parents. They're always concerned for me, but that has helped push me to make my way for myself."