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Brooklyn native serves in Pearl Harbor 75 years after WWII attack

June 23, 2017 By Kayla Good From Navy Office of Community Outreach
Chief Petty Officer Stephan Sinclair. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Moreno
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A Brooklyn native and 2003 Samuel J. Tilden High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy in the same location that drew the U.S. into World War II.

Chief Petty Officer Stephen Sinclair, a logistics specialist, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located.  According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the U.S. into the Indian Ocean.

As a logistics specialist, Sinclair is responsible for financial management, logistical support and postal operations.

“I love the sailors I get to work with,” said Sinclair. “The daily encounter and leading and developing the future sailors is the best part of this job.”

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Sinclair is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy. 

“It’s important for those of us serving in Pearl Harbor today to remember the sacrifice of those who served before us,” said Admiral Scott Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific fleet. “The important work we do everyday honors those who were here 75 years ago and is a testament to the enduring value of our Navy’s mission.”

Although the world has changed greatly in the past 75 years, the Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, and for good reason, Navy officials say.  The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries and many U.S. allies. 

“This command allows me to be engaged with the waterfront,” said Sinclair. “It allows me to give back to the ships through technical expertise by training and developing the sailors and myself. I get the opportunity to be engaged with my rate and leadership.”

The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region.  Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships, submarines, reconnaissance aircraft and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.

“Serving in the Navy means everything,” added Sinclair. “It gave me a sense of direction and purpose. It matured me while giving me stability for my family. It opened my eyes to not settling for my environment or upbringing. It has made me more diverse in leadership. I can learn from every walk of life.”

 


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