YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Taylor, a native of Orange Park, Florida, didn't love his first occupation as a chef, and when he was passed up for a promotion, decided he wanted a career in computer technology.

“I didn't have much college, and I figured the Navy would train me up and if I liked it I could stay in, and if not, then at least they’ll help me get a foot up in that world,” he said.

Now, 11 years later and half a world away, Taylor serves aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam, patrolling one of the world’s busiest maritime regions as part of the leading-edge of U.S. 7th Fleet.

“Quality of life is good here,” Taylor said. “It’s very busy at times. You have to learn the whole job, not just parts of it.”

Taylor, a 1995 graduate of Orange Park High, is an information systems technician aboard the Yokosuka, Japan-based ship, one of three cruisers forward-deployed to the region, where he spends his days assisting on LAN administration, setting up networks and working on cyber security throughout the ship.

Taylor credits part of his success in the Navy to lessons learned in Orange Park.

“I developed strong work ethic from long hours in a kitchen, 16-18-hour days,” Taylor said. “In the Navy, sometimes it's even longer than that. In the kitchen, you manage a lot of tasks at once. Same way in the Navy, and those lessons have helped here.”

U.S. 7th Fleet spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South. U.S. 7th Fleet's area of operations encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world’s population with between 50-70 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and approximately 20,000 sailors.

“I was always fascinated with different cultures and ways of life,” he said. “I always liked different food. I wanted to join and go to a branch that would send me to as many locations as possible, because not a lot of people get out and see the world. To see how people do things around the world and incorporate that into how I live my life has been great. The Japanese are incredibly professional and courteous.”

With more than 50 percent of the world's shipping tonnage and a third of the world's crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world. The Navy's presence in Yokosuka is part of that long-standing commitment.

"The Navy is forward-deployed to provide security and strengthen relationships in a free and open Indo-Pacific. It's not just the ships and aircraft that have shown up to prevent conflict and promote peace," said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "It is and will continue to be our people who define the role our Navy plays around the world. People who've made a choice, and have the will and strength of character to make a difference."

A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

Serving in the Navy means Taylor is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

There are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career. Taylor is most proud of helping his ship get its cyber security up to par.

“We've gone from being below average to being a top ship for troubleshooting,” he said. “We've qualified and added more cybersecurity people since I’ve been here, we've slowly built it up and now I've trained people well enough where I can step away and know people will keep it running smoothly.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Taylor and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“I feel pride in representing my country and protecting my country,” he said. “I've always been a protector, if other kids got picked on I'd squash it right there. I'm actually extremely proud of what I do, not just warfighting but also the humanitarian aid we provide. It motivates you and makes you happy.”