BOSTON - Hospitalman Rose Mugova, a sailor from Cape Town, South Africa, 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.
Mugova graduated from Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Oregon, in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in South Africa.
“My mother taught me a good work ethic and resiliency with good morals and values, which has helped guide me both professionally and personally,” Mugova said.
Mugova joined the Navy two years ago.
“There were a lot of signs pointing to me joining the military,” Mugova said. “I decided it wouldn’t do any harm to choose this career path. I went to a job fair, and a lot of branches from the Armed Forces were present, but not the Navy. I chose the Navy over the other branches because the Marines didn’t call me back when I was interested. I’m glad I decided to join the Navy now.”
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.
Mugova has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is having the opportunity to continue my education in pursuing a degree in health science,” Mugova said.
Mugova 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 makes my mother proud, and it gives my siblings an example to look up to,” Mugova said.
Mugova is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Concilia, and my siblings for all their love and support,” Mugova said.
Mugova is looking forward to their future in the Navy.
“I’m looking forward to having a successful naval career and afterwards, traveling and seeing the world,” Mugova added.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Mugova graduated from Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Oregon, in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in South Africa.
“My mother taught me a good work ethic and resiliency with good morals and values, which has helped guide me both professionally and personally,” Mugova said.
Mugova joined the Navy two years ago.
“There were a lot of signs pointing to me joining the military,” Mugova said. “I decided it wouldn’t do any harm to choose this career path. I went to a job fair, and a lot of branches from the Armed Forces were present, but not the Navy. I chose the Navy over the other branches because the Marines didn’t call me back when I was interested. I’m glad I decided to join the Navy now.”
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.
Mugova has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is having the opportunity to continue my education in pursuing a degree in health science,” Mugova said.
Mugova 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 makes my mother proud, and it gives my siblings an example to look up to,” Mugova said.
Mugova is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Concilia, and my siblings for all their love and support,” Mugova said.
Mugova is looking forward to their future in the Navy.
“I’m looking forward to having a successful naval career and afterwards, traveling and seeing the world,” Mugova added.