BOSTON - Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Guenther, a native of Gordon, Pennsylvania, 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.
Guenther graduated from North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gordon.
“Growing up, I’ve learned respect and to honor your elders,” Guenther said. “I’ve always listened to the advice and experience of those who’ve gone before me.”
Guenther joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Guenther serves as a quartermaster.
“I grew up in a military and state police family,” Guenther said. “My father, David Guenther, was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and my stepfather, Dean Reader, was also in the Air Force as a sergeant. My late-grandfather, Dick Guenther, served as a specialist in the Army. I also had a lifelong fascination with ships, as well as a deep admiration for my grandfather, Alfred Santelli, who previously served in the Navy as a damage controlman second class during the Vietnam Era. He was the greatest influence on me to join the Navy.”
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.
Guenther has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is receiving orders to USS Constitution as the ship’s quartermaster,” Guenther said. “I went through an extensive recommendation and screening process. Being selected to serve on board America’s ship of state, the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world, is such a great honor.”
Guenther serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means service, adventure and professional growth,” Guenther said. “It’s a great way to serve your country and your community, to see the world, to meet all kinds of people and do all things you wouldn’t do in any other career field.”
Guenther is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Dave Guenther and Beth Readler, and my late grandfather, Alfred ‘Pap’ Santelli, for all their love and support,” Guenther added. “I would also like to thank my leading chief petty officers, Chief Quartermaster Her Lee, Senior Chief Quartermaster Leon Williams and Quartermaster 1st Class Melvin Noble, as well as countless others, for all their guidance and support.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Guenther graduated from North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gordon.
“Growing up, I’ve learned respect and to honor your elders,” Guenther said. “I’ve always listened to the advice and experience of those who’ve gone before me.”
Guenther joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Guenther serves as a quartermaster.
“I grew up in a military and state police family,” Guenther said. “My father, David Guenther, was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and my stepfather, Dean Reader, was also in the Air Force as a sergeant. My late-grandfather, Dick Guenther, served as a specialist in the Army. I also had a lifelong fascination with ships, as well as a deep admiration for my grandfather, Alfred Santelli, who previously served in the Navy as a damage controlman second class during the Vietnam Era. He was the greatest influence on me to join the Navy.”
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.
Guenther has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is receiving orders to USS Constitution as the ship’s quartermaster,” Guenther said. “I went through an extensive recommendation and screening process. Being selected to serve on board America’s ship of state, the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world, is such a great honor.”
Guenther serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means service, adventure and professional growth,” Guenther said. “It’s a great way to serve your country and your community, to see the world, to meet all kinds of people and do all things you wouldn’t do in any other career field.”
Guenther is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Dave Guenther and Beth Readler, and my late grandfather, Alfred ‘Pap’ Santelli, for all their love and support,” Guenther added. “I would also like to thank my leading chief petty officers, Chief Quartermaster Her Lee, Senior Chief Quartermaster Leon Williams and Quartermaster 1st Class Melvin Noble, as well as countless others, for all their guidance and support.”