BOSTON – Lt. Cmdr. Robert Dreitz, a native of Cope, Colorado, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Dreitz, a 2001 Yuma High School graduate, joined the Navy 22 years ago.
“The main reason I joined the Navy was that I didn’t have any other plans,” said Dreitz. “I was lacking guidance and felt like it would be the best option. I also wanted the educational benefits and to travel. I thought serving my country would be an honorable thing to do.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Cope are important to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to have a hard work ethic and how to dedicate myself,” said Dreitz. “Being raised in a farming community definitely taught me about hard work, dedication and perseverance. All those lessons can be applied to military careers.”
USS Constitution is the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, and the crew is hand-picked to promote naval history and maritime heritage while raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
The ship earned the nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Dreitz is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Throughout history, the Navy’s mission has not changed much,” said Dreitz. “It was founded on protecting sea lanes, keeping open shipping lanes and deterring adversaries through a show of force. We are still doing those same missions today to keep our country safe.”
As Dreitz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“First and foremost, serving in the Navy is an honorable and selfless sacrifice,” said Dreitz. “Second a lot of times we talk about ships but the ships are nothing without the crew. The soul of the Navy is the sailors serving aboard those ships. Being here means being a part of the most powerful Navy in the world. We are the most powerful Navy because of our sailors.”
Dreitz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandparents, parents, my wife and my kids for their continued selfless support,” added Dreitz. “It is not just the military member who serves. It is also the family members who make sacrifices. My wife and kids have endured multiple deployments and have uprooted their lives to move with me. I want to thank them for their service as well and for their continued support.”