BOSTON – Constructionman Damian Pearsall, a native of Mt. Sherman, Kentucky, 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 |
Pearsall, a 1999 Larue County High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
Today Pearsall serves as a construction mechanic.
“I joined the Navy for opportunities,” said Pearsall. “I joined right in the midst of COVID and it seemed like a good opportunity. I also always wanted to serve and feel like every able-bodied person should serve at least one term.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Mt. Sherman are important to succeed in the military.
“Mt. Sherman is full of diverse people and everyone is different,” said Pearsall. “Growing up, I learned there that you should not treat everyone how you want to be treated. Instead, you should treat everyone how they want to be treated.”
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, Pearsall 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.
“If we were to get attacked, the Navy is the first line of defense because so much of the world is covered by water,” said Pearsall. “Therefore the Navy is critical to national defense because we can protect against adversary threats at sea.”
As Pearsall 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 is about gaining knowledge and skills that will protect the country and ensure the people that live in it will still have the freedoms they deserve,” said Pearsall.
Pearsall is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and family for being very supportive of me joining the Navy even though I was middle-aged at the time,” added Pearsall.