YOKOSUKA, Japan- Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Gatto, a native of Tribes Hill, New York, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Gatto graduated from Fond Fultonville High in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tribes Hill.
“Growing up surrounded by hard-working individuals made me always want to push myself and be the best I can be,” said Gatto. “Having that mindset has helped me succeed here in the Navy as well.”
Gatto joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Gatto serves as an information systems technician.
“ I joined the Navy to follow in my grandfather's footsteps,” said Gatto. “Seeing what an amazing, smart, and well-equipped man he was, and hearing all of his war stories made me want to enlist and start my career.”
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 sailors.
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.
Gatto 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.”
Gatto has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that in these first five years, I have been able to travel and see so much,” said Gatto. “Having the opportunity to see how people from all different countries live is such an amazing experience.”
Gatto can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy allows me to protect and defend my country and my family,” said Gatto. “The Navy trains its sailors to be the smartest and quickest they can be to make a difference in their lives as well as the people they come across.”
Gatto is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family back at home for always keeping my head up and for pushing me to be the best I can be,” added Gatto. “I can always count on them and they have always been there for me no matter where I am."