From Japan to the Mediterranean: The Epic Voyage of a Stinger

MEDITERRANEAN SEA — The alarm blares at 2200 hours, slicing through the quiet hum of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp’s (LHD 1) late evening routine. Operations Specialist 1st Class Tristan Sharkey stirs from his rack in the red-lit berthing compartment, the familiar scent of saltwater and metal filling his senses.

Sharkey pulls on his coveralls and slides on his boots, his mind running through the tasks of the day: maintenance checks, operations briefings, and ensuring he stands a proper watch. The journey from a young seaman to a seasoned first class petty officer has not been an easy one.

Recalling his initial days aboard the Wasp in Japan, Sharkey says, “I stepped onto the Wasp not knowing anyone, in a country halfway around the world from where I grew up. It was daunting at first, being on a ship with a crew of strangers and adjusting to a completely new environment.”

In the early days, Sharkey had to quickly learn the ropes and prove himself. The Navy demanded not just technical skills, but also resilience and adaptability.

“The early days were about building trust and understanding my role,” he said. “I had to quickly learn the ropes and show that I was capable of handling the responsibilities that came with being on a naval warfighting ship.”

Back in Norfolk, Virginia, Sharkey faced significant challenges during the extensive yard period, involving major maintenance and upgrades. His skills and dedication were put to the test, contributing to the ship’s readiness for its next deployment.

Chief Operations Specialist Paul Acero, his leading chief petty officer, remarked, “Sharkey is very sharp and confident. He listens to feedback and produces outcomes that make sense for his peers, leadership, and the division. His hard work and long-term planning are why I believe he will be very successful in the Navy.”

Sharkey earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification shortly after promoting to 2nd class petty officer. “Earning the ESWS was a major accomplishment,” Sharkey said. “It represented a lot of hard work and commitment to my role on the ship.”

Sharkey also navigated the transition from the old crew in Japan to the new crew members in Norfolk. “Adapting to a new crew was challenging,” he said. “Each group of Sailors has its own dynamics, and it took time to understand and integrate with the new team.”

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Von Estayo, a close colleague, noted Sharkey’s adaptability and work ethic. “Sharkey’s work ethic is really unmatched. He approaches every task with dedication and ensures that his work not only meets but exceeds expectations.”

When the Wasp deployed in June 2024, Sharkey’s role became even more crucial. His expertise in managing and maintaining the ship’s systems was essential to the success of the deployment.

Reflecting on his journey, Sharkey said, “I’ve truly enjoyed my time on the Wasp. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. However, I’m ready for the next mission the Navy has for me and excited about the future of my career.”

Sharkey is scheduled to depart the ship in December 2024, returning to Japan for his next duty station, marking a full circle in his Navy career.