Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 3rd Class Terique Birl, a native of Detroit, Michigan, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.

Birl joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Birl serves as a quartermaster aboard USS Shoup.

"I wanted to learn the in-and-outs of the Navy, and then go to law school," said Birl.

Growing up in Detroit, Birl attended Michigan Technical Academy and graduated in 2009.

Today, Birl relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Detroit to succeed in the military.

"Growing up, I learned to always keep grinding and to always working hard at what you do," said Birl.

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, Birl 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's presence is important because we are always protecting international and U.S. waters," said Birl. "It's important for us to patrol the seas."

Birl 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."

Birl and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

"I'm most proud of earning my enlisted surface warfare specialist and air warfare specialist qualifications," said Birl.

As Birl and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

"Serving in the Navy means understanding the risk of serving in the military and taking responsibility," said Birl. "I am being a part of something that is bigger than myself."

Birl is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

"I would like to thank both my father and my grandmother for their support," added Birl.