Seaman Keshon Bowman, a native of Lancaster, Calif., wanted to join the Navy to travel and further his education.
Now, one year later and half a world away, Bowman serves aboard one of the Navy’s most dependable amphibious ships at Fleet Activities Sasebo, patrolling one of the world’s busiest maritime regions as part of U.S. 7th Fleet.
“Being away from family can get tough,” said Bowman. “But the people on the ship are supportive of each other, it’s a tight-knit community.”
Bowman, a 2016 graduate of Lancaster High School, works in the deck department aboard the forward-deployed Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown in Sasebo, Japan.
“I maintain and preserve the ship as well as the safety equipment,” said Bowman.
Bowman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lancaster.
“My parents would always tell me to lead instead of follow which I try to live by every day,” said Bowman. “I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been stationed over here. I’ve been getting more and more tasks so I know my supervisors have trust in me. I like to be in charge of the situation.”
U.S. 7th Fleet spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South. U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world’s population with between 50-70 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and approximately 20,000 sailors.
“Japan is a very clean country and the people are polite,” said Bowman. “How they carry on with daily duties, they are professional and courteous. It’s very unique.”
With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world. The Navy’s presence in Sasebo is part of that long-standing commitment.
“The Navy is forward-deployed to provide security and strengthen relationships in a free and open Indo-Pacific. It’s not just the ships and aircraft that have shown up to prevent conflict and promote peace,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “It is, and will continue to be our people who define the role our Navy plays around the world. People who’ve made a choice, and have the will and strength of character to make a difference.”
USS Germantown is 610 feet long. The ship can travel at speed in excess of 20 nautical miles per-hour. Germantown is one of eight Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships currently in service. The ship’s primary purpose is to launch equipment and personnel for amphibious missions. Approximately 22 officers and 390 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the ship running smoothly. The jobs range from washing dishes and preparing meals to maintaining engines and handling weaponry.
Serving in the Navy means Bowman is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Bowman is most proud of getting as far as he has in his first year in the Navy.
“I’m just happy to be in the Navy and to still be focused on reaching my next goal and qualifications,” said Bowman.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bowman and other Sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy provides me the opportunity to be the leader I want to be,” said Bowman. “I feel honored to serve.”