Santee native serves on U.S. Navy warship half a world away

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SASEBO, Japan - Seaman J'Deja Scott, a native of Santee, was inspired by her aunt to join the military. She always looked up to her aunt because of the way she carried herself and what she did for a job. Scott thought the Navy would provide her the opportunity to succeed as well as continue her education.

Now, five months later and half a world away, Scott 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.

"You work with people from all walks of life on the ship, so to come together on common goals and get a ship moving is a cool thing," Scott said. "Also, it's a small ship, so we are a tight-knit community. I enjoy that part."

Scott, a 2018 graduate of Lake Marion High School, works in the deck department aboard the forward-deployed Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland in Sasebo, Japan.

"My job is to help get the ship squared away like painting and preserving," Scott said. "We are also in charge of the safety equipment, the rigid-hulled inflatable rescue boats, and we are in charge of escorting the Marines to and from shore."

Scott credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Santee.

"I learned a lot from my grandma," Scott said. "One thing she taught me was perseverance. This has helped me because even when times get tough, you can't just quit; you have to keep pressing on."

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.

"Our work schedule is rough, so you have to learn to be very flexible," Scott said. "As a boatswain's mate, you have a lot of aspects to your job; there's long and tiresome hours, it takes a toll on your body. The one thing that you can take from all of it is just learning from the experiences and try to learn as much as you can about your job."

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 Ashland is 610 feet long. The ship can travel at speeds in excess of 20 nautical miles per hour. Ashland 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 Scott 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," Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer said. "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, Scott is most proud of being able to stay fit while working a busy schedule.

"I passed my physical readiness test recently, so that is a big deal because I didn't think I was going to pass," Scott said. "It's through trying to stay focused out here while we are always working getting ready for deployments. I feel motivated that I was able to pass."

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied-upon assets, Scott and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

"There are so many reasons why I serve in the Navy," Scott said. "First, I'm able to give back to the country in a sense. Also, freedom isn't free; someone needs to put in the effort to keep the country safe. Lastly, I feel like since I joined, I can be a role model to my siblings and kids back home."