Kanagawa Native Serves With the US. Navy in Japan

Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan (a prefecture is similar to what is called a, "state" in America) is the birthplace of many people who are well known on the American pro-wrestling scene, such as former WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY and longest reigning AEW Women's World Champion Hikaru Shida, displaying dedication and discipline throughout their careers. These are qualities that are equally valued in the military- Kanagawa is also the birthplace of a sailor who serves with the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Petty Officer 1st Class Megumi Thomas was born in Yokosuka, a city that is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, and she serves the U.S. Navy in her hometown. At an early age, Thomas began learning the skills that she would need in her future. “Being a military kid around a diverse group of people helped me be ready for Navy life,” Thomas explained.

Megumi Thomas joined the Navy 12 years ago, and today, she serves as a boatswain's mate, an important position on a ship that requires teamwork and the ability to overcome challenges. “I joined the Navy as a way to gain my independence,” Thomas said. ”I wanted to make my own money, live on my own and not have to rely so much on my parents.” She 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. Most sailors in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

Megumi Thomas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I'm just proud of what I do and that I can help sailors, I came in as an undesignated sailor and I’ve managed to build a career. Now it's important to me to be able to help other sailors coming up through the ranks.”

Along with helping other sailors, Megumi Thomas is also able to those who are not a part of the armed services. “Service is all about helping my country and being a source of support for my family."

And it is a family that Megumi Thomas is grateful for. “I'm thankful for my family,” added Thomas. “My mother, father, husband and children have all supported me.”

Thank you to the Navy Office of Community Outreach for providing the information on Petty Officer 1st Class Megumi Thomas that was used for this blog post.