By Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Wimbush II, a native of San Diego, California, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Wimbush graduated from Mount Miguel High School in 2006.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“My mother always stressed the importance of being on time for school and work, being presentable and well-read,” said Wimbush. “Those lessons have definitely helped me to be successful in the Navy so far.”
Wimbush joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Wimbush serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I had family members who served,” said Wimbush. ”I wanted to make my own name for myself and do something big with my life.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Wimbush 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.”
Wimbush has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud of being meritoriously promoted to petty officer third class,” said Wimbush. “I worked really hard for that and was proud to be recognized.”
Wimbush can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service means putting others before yourself,” said Wimbush. “Often, people don’t want to be selfless. Being in the military has taught me the importance of putting others first sometimes.”
Wimbush is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my father and my brother-in-law,” added Wimbush. “They were both very instrumental in my decision to join.”
Printed courtesy of the U.S. Navy.
