Bay Area

Oakland native serves aboard U.S. Navy flagship in Japan

Hospitalman Marco Ford, a native of Oakland, served in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge. Ford graduated from Bay Tech High School in 2021.

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2024

Oakland Post

Hospitalman Marco Ford, a native of Oakland, California, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge. Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel.

By Navy Office of Community Outreach

Hospitalman Marco Ford, a native of Oakland, served in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.

Ford graduated from Bay Tech High School in 2021.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oakland, says Ford.

“I learned growing up to stay calm, especially in tough situations,” he continued. “If you keep your head clear and don’t let your emotions take over, you can still get done what you need to get done.”

Ford joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Ford serves as a hospital corpsman.

“I joined the Navy to learn as a person and to help those around me,” said Ford. “I thought the military would be a good place for me to grow and help others grow as well.”

Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, it supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 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.

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.”

Ford has many opportunities to achieve some of his goals during military service.

“I’m proud of being nominated for Bluejacket of the Quarter so early in my career,” said Ford. “It’s nice to have that validation for the work that I’m doing. “Service is a good way to see and meet new people. You see a lot of stuff. You’re protecting people and you’re learning to be a part of a team.”

“I’d like to thank my mom, my dad and my chain of command,” added Ford. “They’re all good people who have helped me grow in different ways.”