YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 3, 2024) – Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Hobbs, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
Hobbs graduated from Indian River High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesapeake.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and helping others to achieve their goals,” said Hobbs.
Hobbs joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Hobbs serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my family’s footsteps,” said Hobbs. “My grandfather on my mom’s side was prior Navy, my grandfather on my dad’s side was prior Army, my father is a retired Navy chief, and my brother is a prior Marine. I want to continue their legacy.”
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 sailors.
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.
Hobbs 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.”
Hobbs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of training my sailors for the next rank and helping them to achieve their goals,” said Hobbs.
Hobbs can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has always been something that I wanted to do,” said Hobbs. “I have a long family history of being in the Navy. It’s following in my dad’s footsteps.”
Hobbs is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad for all of the mentoring that he provided me,” added Hobbs. “I would also like to thank some of my high school friends and family members who have all given me good advice.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
