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Yokosuka, Japan (KINY) - Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Marvelle, who grew up in Juneau, Alaska, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Marvelle joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Marvelle serves as a gas turbine system technician aboard USS Ralph Johnson.
“I joined to serve my country and follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfathers,” said Marvelle. "I also joined for the economic benefits, and to travel and see the world."
Growing up in Juneau, Marvelle attended Juneau Douglas High School and graduated in 2010.
Today, Marvelle relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Juneau to succeed in the military.
“Growing up on a farm, I learned how to work hard to get what I wanted and needed,” said Marvelle.
Modern U.S. Navy surface ships provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy surface ship is capable of operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or expeditionary strike groups.
Jobs aboard a U.S. Navy ship are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. 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.
As a member of the Navy, Marvelle is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy projects our national power out on the international seas,” said Marvelle.
Marvelle 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.
“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence," said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. "Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend - across all domains - any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being."
Marvelle and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being promoted to petty officer first class,” said Marvelle.
As Marvelle and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy allows me to know that my friends and family stay safe,” said Marvelle.
Marvelle is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for always giving me top-notch support,” added Marvelle.