YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Oliver, a native of Weatherford, Texas, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Oliver graduated from Godley High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weatherford.
“My grandparents had a farm that I helped at, and I was able to learn about hard work there,” said Oliver.
Oliver joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Oliver serves as a fire controlman.
“I joined the Navy because my great-grandmother served as a WAVE,” said Oliver. "I wanted to carry on that tradition, and I knew service would help set a good foundation for me."
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.
Oliver 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.”
Oliver has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal I recently earned,” said Oliver. "I was honored for the work I did to restore a critical ship system. It always feels good to be recognized for what you do."
Oliver can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service is important,” said Oliver. "We're not out here just protecting our countries, but we're helping protect other places, too, like Japan. It's cool to be able to go other places and see the impact that America has on the world.”
Oliver is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I'd like to thank my family,” added Oliver. "They've been a fantastic support group. It's hard to be away from them overseas, but it's a lot easier than it could be because of them."