2013 O’Neill grad serving aboard the USS Shoup
By Senior Chief James Thorson, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Amber Toupe, a native of Highland Falls, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Toupe joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Toupe serves as a sonar technician aboard USS Shoup.
“I joined the Navy for the economic opportunities that it could afford my family,” said Toupe.
Growing up in Highland Falls, Toupe attended James I. O’Neill High School and graduated in 2013.
Today, Toupe relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Highland Falls to succeed in the military.
“Having tough skin and flexibility have helped me succeed in the Navy,” said Toupe.
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, Toupe 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 is always going to have adversaries, so we need to be ready when they try to do something aggressive,” said Toupe.
Toupe 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.”
Toupe and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud to have been able to thrive in the Navy for the past three years in a challenging environment,” said Toupe.
As Toupe and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy gives me stability but also challenges me in other ways,” said Toupe.
Toupe is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My parents have been very supportive to me in my career,” added Toupe. “Chief Boncuk has been very supportive and helped me fit into my previous division. Also, Petty Officer Brazeau helped me get through boot camp.”
