US-Ireland Alliance

Lieutenant Vicki Moore – With the Navy in Japan

By Conor Ryan

Stationed at Yokosuka, Japan, Vicki is the Training Officer on board the Navy Destroyer, USS Mustin, part of the Seventh Fleet operating in the Pacific Ocean.  She is responsible for managing all aspects of training, ensuring crew members have the necessary certifications in a variety of areas including combat systems, engineering and operations as well as implementing Navy education programs.  Vicki recently participated in a multi-ship training exercise off the coast of Okinawa, during which she launched an SM2 missile, intercepting a drone simulating an inbound threat. 

A 2009 Mitchell Scholar, Vicki studied International Development at Dublin City University and then volunteered to work with the Irish charity Suas, spending three months working in Nairobi, Kenya.  She saw first hand a number of development initiatives designed to combat poverty while also learning about Kenyan culture and networking with other aid organizations.  Vicki so enjoyed her time studying and travelling in Ireland and Africa that following her return to the United States she actively sought an overseas posting with the Navy and chose Japan.

Vicki is fascinated by the diversity of cultures around the world and the challenges of international diplomacy.  In the future she hopes to work in a diplomatic role for the State Department or as a Foreign Area Officer for the Navy.  In this role she would act as the regional expert advising the military on local socio-cultural, political and military issues.