MISAWA, Japan — Petty Officer 1st Class Bradford Watkins, a native of McDonough, Georgia, is currently serving abroad as a member of the U.S. Navy. Watkins is stationed at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, Site Misawa, which is located at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan.
Reflecting on his decision to enlist, Watkins noted that military service offered a chance to broaden his horizons and to travel.
"I joined to see the world and experience different cultures," Watkins said.
Growing up in McDonough, Watkins witnessed his community evolve, which provided him with a valuable perspective and adaptability during his naval career.
"Growing up in my hometown—in a developing town—I witnessed a lot of changes in my area that made me understand change always happens," Watkins said.
Throughout his 16-year career, Watkins earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification and the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification. While advancing professionally, Watkins has also continued his higher education, completing an Associate of Arts in general studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is currently working to complete a bachelor’s degree in business management next year.
Mentoring and developing junior personnel is Watkins' proudest achievement in his naval career.
"I have had a lot of accomplishments in my career that are too many to think of, but my proudest moments are helping my junior sailors advance," Watkins said.
Operating overseas in northern Japan, Watkins reflected on the personal mindset and commitment required for more than a decade and a half of active-duty military service.
"For me, serving in the military is what you make of it," Watkins said. "To serve in the Navy, you will have to be willing to sacrifice a lot, and it can be worth it."
Watkins expressed gratitude to his family back home in McDonough, including his parents, Bertha Bell and Comas Bell, for their continuous presence and encouragement despite the physical distance required by military life.
"I want to thank my parents," Watkins added. "Even though my job takes me away from them, I think about them and miss them always."
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. The command oversees 13 sites across a 52-million-square-mile area of responsibility stretching from Misawa, Japan, to Stirling, Australia, and from Guam to Diego Garcia. Sailors and civilian employees provide supply and logistics support that enables maritime warfighter readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs military and civilian personnel around the world. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps provide global supply chain management, acquisition, operational logistics, and sailor and family support in partnership with the fleet to sustain naval forces worldwide.