BOSTON – Petty Officer 2nd Class Alai Alizoibarra, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 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 |
Alizoibarra, a 2018 Cypress Bay High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
Today Alizoibarra serves as a damage controlman.
“I joined the Navy for the education benefits,” said Alizoibarra. “I want to study medicine and the Navy is helping me pay for it.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Fort Lauderdale are important to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a very versatile environment,” said Alizoibarra. “I was surrounded by people from all over the world. It has helped me be successful in the Navy's diverse working environment.”
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, Alizoibarra 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.
“We provide security of the sea,” said Alizoibarra. “I feel like when other countries see us, whether it's us visiting their ports or them visiting us, it's impactful.”
As Alizoibarra and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me specifically, it's a step forward in my life,” said Alizoibarra. “Compared to other people my age, I'm pretty well off. I have a stable job that allows me to pay my bills.”
Alizoibarra is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Lt. Cmdr. Maria Fuenmayor, a nurse corps officer, walked me through all the branches and the best options to reach my career goals in the medical field,” added Alizoibarra. “She's also a Hispanic female and she was able to give me more insight to how it would be for me in the Navy. I am grateful for her mentorship.”