BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Dell, a native of East Moline, Illinois, 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 |
Dell, a 2009 Rock Island Alleman High School graduate, joined the Navy 10 years ago.
Today Dell serves as a master-at-arms.
“I always wanted to be in the military,” said Dell. “I grew up playing with the little green army men and G.I. Joes. It's always been what I wanted. It was the only thing that felt right.”
Skills and values similar to those found in East Moline are important to succeed in the military.
“Between high school and having rough jobs after, I learned not to take things personally and not to sweat the small things,” said Dell. “There are things that happen in the military that you can't control and having that mindset has helped me be successful.”
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, Dell 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.
“It's always been about protecting our commerce and protecting the freedom of our seas,” said Dell. “Without that commerce, without those shipping lanes open, our economies would crash.”
As Dell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means stability and having a routine,” said Dell. “At the end of the day, everything that I’m doing is for a greater purpose. It feels good to contribute to the security of the nation.”
Dell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my best friends, Chris and Anna,” added Dell. “They both served and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”