A Dallas native and 2012 Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas graduate, Ensign Xanthus Vasquez is now serving as an administrative officer aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65).

A Navy administrative officer is responsible for directing an administrative division or serveing as an executive assistant and performs administrative duties such as personnel administration, work progress reporting, and supervision of postal activities.

"I've learned to have patience, thick skin, and a more positive attitude," said Vasquez. "When things don't go according to plan, do not be discouraged. In order to progress in the Navy, pick yourself up and try again. The moment you quit trying is the moment you've lost the fight. On top of all that, I've learned to better communicate with people from all walks of life. Communication goes a long way in the Navy, especially if you're in charge of a division and have expectations laid out."

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly, according to Navy officials. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

"Not everyone my age can say that they lived in Japan for 2 years," Vasquez said. "Not everyone can say they've been to half of Asia. Aside from opportunity, it also provides Sailors experience. The workload and tasking out here cannot be compared to anything back home. Everything is fast paced out here in 7th Fleet and prepares us for our next duty station."

With more than 50 percent of the world's shipping tonnage and a third of the world's crude oil passing through the Indo-Pacific region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.

"Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared values," said Adm. Harry Harris, commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "It's not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the second world war, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of unprecedented economic growth. And for the last six decades, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side-by-side with the Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom."

Forward-deployed Sailors are crucial to the success of the global Navy mission and earn high praise from their leaders.

"The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific," said Harris.

Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions, explained Navy officials.

"The opportunity to live in a foreign country and experience a culture that is vastly different from my own back home is what I enjoy most about being forward-deployed," said Vasquez. "I have yet to be disappointed with the food in Japan. On every street there is a meal to be had. Sushi, Indian, curry, Chinese; whatever your taste buds desire. The culture is beautiful. People are very respectful, friendly and helpful. Strangers will help you if you are lost. The Japanese are always welcoming. There are beautiful sights all over Japan and there [are] always new things to see and new places to explore."

Sailors play a vital role in the overall military mission around the world.

A U.S. Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and Phalanx close-in weapons systems.

Benfold is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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