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Emory S. Land Sailors Deploy in Support of War on Terror

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060225-07
Release Date: 2/25/2006 7:46:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Six Sailors aboard USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) volunteered Feb. 24 to serve a tour in Iraq in support of the global war on terrorism.

Within an hour of being tasked by Submarine Forces Atlantic, approximately 100 Land men and women Sailors volunteered for the training and opportunity to stand a one-year tour of duty as guardsmen in one of the Iraqi prisons.

The Sailors were chosen from various departments of the ship. They are Hull Technician 3rd Class Christopher Wise, from Fairfield, Ill.; Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Daniel Segovia, from San Antonio; Hull Technician 3rd Class Chase Beltz, from Oakland, Neb.; Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Sean Fillmore, from Albany, Ore.; Seaman Jorge Alvarado, from Margate, Fla.; and Seaman Kham Bui, from Wichita, Kan. Two of the Sailors said it’s just another way to show their honor, courage and commitment to the Navy.

“It’s a great opportunity and something for me to proud of,” said Fillmore, who volunteered as soon as he found out he had the chance to serve.

Segovia said he was looking forward to the new adventure in his career and the training he will undergo prior to leaving for Iraq.

“It’s a chance to serve my country first. I am ready for the new duties and responsibilities that are waiting for me,” Segovia said.

Ens. Billy Reaves, Hull Repair Division Production officer, sent two of his Sailors to serve in Iraq.

“How could we not be proud of them? I can’t imagine having to get on the phone and tell mom ‘Hey, I am going to Iraq tomorrow.’ The response from our Sailors was overwhelming,” Reaves said.

He added that Land Sailors had an opportunity to serve in Kuwait last year working on armored vehicles. Sending these six Sailors to Iraq is another opportunity to broaden the ship’s mission.

“For us, this is an opportunity to expand our horizons. It opens up doors not only for our Sailors, but also in support of the world mission. The Navy is playing a bigger role in being utilized for more than just naval warfare and we’re seeing this now by sending these Sailors to Iraq,” Reaves said.

Land is a submarine tender homeported in La Maddalena, Italy, and is currently enroute to the western coast of Africa to strengthen partnerships with participating Gulf of Guinea countries.