YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 9, 2023) – Chief Petty Officer Derin Wells, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Wells joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Wells serves as an information systems technician aboard USS Robert Smalls.
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition,” said Wells. “My father and brothers served in the Navy.”
Growing up in Norfolk, Wells attended Alpha Omega Academy and graduated in 2008.
Today, Wells relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Norfolk to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, my father tried to instill ownership, responsibility and a hard work ethic in me,” said Wells. “That has served me in the long run and has helped me throughout my Navy career.”
Modern U.S. Navy surface ships provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy surface ship is capable of operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or expeditionary strike groups.
Jobs aboard a U.S. Navy ship are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
As a member of the Navy, Wells is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The U.S. Navy is the watchstander,” said Wells. “We show force and keep the peace as we project power to the rest of the world.”
Wells 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.
“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend – across all domains – any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”
Wells and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Making the rank of chief petty officer was a very significant milestone for me,” said Wells. “I try to leave every place I go better than I found it.”
As Wells and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I can support family and my country,” said Wells. “It means I can build promising futures for both.”
Wells is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My father and wife have been my biggest support,” added Wells. “They have supported me during the tough times throughout my career.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Xiaoming Zheng, Navy Office of Community Outreach