Alex Beland, Peshtigo Native Serves in Japan

Navy Fireman Recruit Alex Beland, a native of Peshtigo, is serving in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.

Beland joined the Navy one year ago. Today he serves as a damage controlman aboard USS Higgins. “I joined the Navy because I wanted to get out of the states, explore new places and meet new people,” said Beland.

Growing up in Peshtigo, he attended Peshtigo Middle High School and graduated in 2022. Today, Beland relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Peshtigo to succeed in the military. “I learned from my parents that you can’t call it a good day without hard work,” he said.

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, Beland 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.

“We protect trade routes with other countries to ensure free and open trade,” said Beland.

Beland 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.”

Beland and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud of being able to raise my right hand, taking the oath to be here now,” said Beland.

As Beland 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 a lot to me,” said Beland, “There are a lot of previous service members on my father’s side and my mother’s side who were in the Army, Navy and Marines. Their service before me inspired me to be here now. Another contribution to being here was my love for military history, especially World War II.”

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

“I would like to thank my grandparents, uncles, and my parents” added Beland, “They always supported and encouraged me.”

Alex Beland is the son of Tony and Lori Beland.