BOSTON – Airman Austin Jean, a native of New Braunfels, Texas, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
Jean, a 2011 Judson High School graduate, joined the Navy a year and a half ago.
Today Jean serves as an aviation boatswain's mate.
“During COVID, I was working for a small business and trying to finish my degree,” said Jean. “Business was slow and paying for school got pushed off, so I joined for the educational and health care benefits.”
Skills and values similar to those found in New Braunfels are important to succeed in the military.
“New Braunfels is a small town that believes in taking life at your own pace,” said Jean. “It's helped me build a mentality of ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ which has benefited me in my career in the Navy.”
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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Jean, a 2011 Judson High School graduate, joined the Navy a year and a half ago.
Today Jean serves as an aviation boatswain's mate.
“During COVID, I was working for a small business and trying to finish my degree,” said Jean. “Business was slow and paying for school got pushed off, so I joined for the educational and health care benefits.”
Skills and values similar to those found in New Braunfels are important to succeed in the military.
“New Braunfels is a small town that believes in taking life at your own pace,” said Jean. “It's helped me build a mentality of ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ which has benefited me in my career in the Navy.”
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, Jean 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 important to keep borders safe from harm, whether they are on open waters or at home,” said Jean. “It keeps the U.S. safe and protects our freedoms.”
As Jean 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 legacy,” said Jean. “Honoring not just those who came before me, but my family. My grandfather joined the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and spent 40 years in the Navy. I feel like I'm honoring his legacy.”
Jean is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my girlfriend, Kami Prochnow, for just being my rock and supporting me at the end of the long days, even from a distance,” added Jean. “And I'd also like to thank my family for their continued love and support.”
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, Jean 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 important to keep borders safe from harm, whether they are on open waters or at home,” said Jean. “It keeps the U.S. safe and protects our freedoms.”
As Jean 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 legacy,” said Jean. “Honoring not just those who came before me, but my family. My grandfather joined the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and spent 40 years in the Navy. I feel like I'm honoring his legacy.”
Jean is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my girlfriend, Kami Prochnow, for just being my rock and supporting me at the end of the long days, even from a distance,” added Jean. “And I'd also like to thank my family for their continued love and support.”