SAN DIEGO- Sixteen years ago, Petty Officer 1st Class Tony Bassner joined the Navy because of what he witnessed on September 11, 2001.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller |
"I was in New York and saw the plane hit the tower, while I was in high school,” said Bassner. “I got interested in national security and defense and wanted to do my part to serve."
Today, Bassner is serving aboard USS Boxer, stationed in San Diego.
Bassner is an information systems technician responsible for managing the ship's computer network.
“I like the impact that I have on other people's lives” said Bassner. "I feel like I bring a personal relationship to the mission. It's personal growth, but it's also professional. There are people who have reached out to me years after we served together and expressed their appreciation."
Bassner is a 2003 James Madison High School graduate and native of Brooklyn, New York.
According to Bassner, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Brooklyn.
“Growing up in Brooklyn, I learned the gift of gab,” said Bassner. "I am quick and clever with all my answers including my own thought process. Brooklyn isn't for slow-paced, second guessers."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Bassner is most proud of recognition of other junior sailors.
“It makes me proud to see sailors achieve their goals and reach out to me years later to thank me,” said Bassner. "It means the world to me."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bassner, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means that I get to see the other side of life that many other Americans will never see,” said Bassner. "It also gives me a grateful appreciation for what we have as Americans, especially the freedoms we enjoy."
Today, Bassner is serving aboard USS Boxer, stationed in San Diego.
Bassner is an information systems technician responsible for managing the ship's computer network.
“I like the impact that I have on other people's lives” said Bassner. "I feel like I bring a personal relationship to the mission. It's personal growth, but it's also professional. There are people who have reached out to me years after we served together and expressed their appreciation."
Bassner is a 2003 James Madison High School graduate and native of Brooklyn, New York.
According to Bassner, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Brooklyn.
“Growing up in Brooklyn, I learned the gift of gab,” said Bassner. "I am quick and clever with all my answers including my own thought process. Brooklyn isn't for slow-paced, second guessers."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Bassner is most proud of recognition of other junior sailors.
“It makes me proud to see sailors achieve their goals and reach out to me years later to thank me,” said Bassner. "It means the world to me."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bassner, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means that I get to see the other side of life that many other Americans will never see,” said Bassner. "It also gives me a grateful appreciation for what we have as Americans, especially the freedoms we enjoy."