YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 11, 2023) – Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Wright, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship. Wright joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Wright serves as a cryptologic technician aboard USS Shiloh.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunity to be a cryptologic technician,” said Wright.
Growing up in Norfolk, Wright attended J.R. Arnold High School and Tallwood High School and graduated in 2014.
Today, Wright relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Norfolk to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Wright.
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, Wright 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 Navy is important to national defense because we provide electronic security and safety for Americans,” said Wright.
Wright 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.”
Wright and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of being a cryptologic technician maintenance worker,” said Wright. “There are fewer than one 1,000 of us in the Navy.”
As Wright and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I think everybody should serve in the armed forces,” said Wright. “The amount of lessons and friends and cool things you do in the military are awesome. I never thought in a million years I would be living in Japan alone on a U.S. ship.”
Wright is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom because she gave me a helping hand in joining the Navy,” added Wright.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach