BOSTON - Constructionman Ernest Herrera, a native of Compton, California, is one of more than 60 sailors celebrating America’s 249 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.
Herrera graduated from Buena Vista High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Compton.
“I learned from my dad and previous job experiences the discipline, hard work ethic and good morals and values that have made me a better man, sailor, son and brother,” Herrera said.
Herrera joined the Navy more than one year ago.
“My uncle, Arnoldo Ramirez, served in the Mexican Navy, and I have two cousins who served in the Navy and the Army,” Herrera said. “My uncle opened up to me and saw potential in me in serving my country like he did. It made him proud seeing me approach him and ask him about his time in the service.”
Launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797, Constitution is the only surviving vessel of the Navy’s original six frigates and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels in its nearly 60 years of active service.
Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution’s primary mission is education and outreach, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard each year. Its crew of more than 60 sailors is hand-picked to preserve and protect Constitution, while promoting naval history, maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. The ship’s original missions of defending American interests and protecting sea lanes to ensure commerce remain at the forefront of the Navy’s mission today.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Herrera has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is serving here and being recognized on the Constitution,” Herrera said. “As Constitution sailors, we have personal cards that we give out to people. I was also part of the color guard courtside during the first game when the Boston Celtics received their championship rings. I’m also proud of being able to give tours in Spanish here on the Constitution. I once gave tours to a Colombian military dignitary group, and afterwards, they gave me a coin and plaque, rewarding me for a job well done.”
Herrera serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It’s an honor to serve in the Navy for my country,” Herrera said. “I serve not for myself but for my family, and I continue to do what my uncle did in serving my country like he did.”
Herrera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father and mother, Ernesto and Liray Herrera, for always being there for me, and Charlie Chavez, my cousin, for motivating and helping me to go to the Navy recruiting office,” Herrera said. “He is a sheriff in the Los Angeles area.”
Herrera has goals for their future in the Navy and beyond.
“I would like to continue to advance in rank while serving at least one more enlistment in the Navy and continue following in my dad’s footsteps in accomplishing our dreams and goals that we never give up on,” Herrera added.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Herrera graduated from Buena Vista High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Compton.
“I learned from my dad and previous job experiences the discipline, hard work ethic and good morals and values that have made me a better man, sailor, son and brother,” Herrera said.
Herrera joined the Navy more than one year ago.
“My uncle, Arnoldo Ramirez, served in the Mexican Navy, and I have two cousins who served in the Navy and the Army,” Herrera said. “My uncle opened up to me and saw potential in me in serving my country like he did. It made him proud seeing me approach him and ask him about his time in the service.”
Launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797, Constitution is the only surviving vessel of the Navy’s original six frigates and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels in its nearly 60 years of active service.
Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution’s primary mission is education and outreach, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard each year. Its crew of more than 60 sailors is hand-picked to preserve and protect Constitution, while promoting naval history, maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. The ship’s original missions of defending American interests and protecting sea lanes to ensure commerce remain at the forefront of the Navy’s mission today.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Herrera has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is serving here and being recognized on the Constitution,” Herrera said. “As Constitution sailors, we have personal cards that we give out to people. I was also part of the color guard courtside during the first game when the Boston Celtics received their championship rings. I’m also proud of being able to give tours in Spanish here on the Constitution. I once gave tours to a Colombian military dignitary group, and afterwards, they gave me a coin and plaque, rewarding me for a job well done.”
Herrera serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It’s an honor to serve in the Navy for my country,” Herrera said. “I serve not for myself but for my family, and I continue to do what my uncle did in serving my country like he did.”
Herrera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father and mother, Ernesto and Liray Herrera, for always being there for me, and Charlie Chavez, my cousin, for motivating and helping me to go to the Navy recruiting office,” Herrera said. “He is a sheriff in the Los Angeles area.”
Herrera has goals for their future in the Navy and beyond.
“I would like to continue to advance in rank while serving at least one more enlistment in the Navy and continue following in my dad’s footsteps in accomplishing our dreams and goals that we never give up on,” Herrera added.