By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana, Navy Office of Community Outreach
105.1 KNCI Salutes: Seaman Jazmine Mateo From Fair Oaks
A Fair Oaks, California, native and 2010 Saint Josephs academy High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
By Doug Lazy on April 24, 2018
Navyoutreach.blogspot.com
Fair Oaks Native Serves with the U.S. Navy Half a World Away
YOKOSUKA, Japan- A Fair Oaks, California, native and 2010 Saint Josephs academy High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy forward-deployed aboard USS Blue Ridge.
Seaman Jazmine Mateo is serving aboard the ship operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. The ship routinely deploys to protect alliances, enhance partnerships, and be ready to respond if a natural disaster occurs in the region.
As a Navy seaman, Mateo is responsible for maintaining the material readiness of the ship.
Mateo is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Fair Oaks.
“I was always taught to be respectful to people, always be humble, and to never brag,” said Mateo.
Moments like that makes it worth serving around the world ready at all times to defend America’s interests. 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 Yokosuka is part of that long-standing commitment, explained Navy officials.
USS Blue Ridge serves as the flagship for the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It is one of only two U.S. Navy command ships in the world, providing command and control for fleet commanders.
“I feel proud to be forward-deployed because I like protecting people,” said Mateo. “I want to protect the people in America and prevent any war.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Mateo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Because of the Navy, I have met different people that changed my perspective and my work ethics,” said Mateo. “Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to prove to my family that I can protect them even though we are far away from each other.”
Seventh Fleet, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2018, 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. Seventh Fleet’s area of operation 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 in the 7th Fleet.
Thank you for your service, Seaman Jazmine Mateo!
