BOSTON – Chief Petty Officer Chris Robo, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Robo, a 2007 Salem High School graduate, joined the Navy 13 years ago.
Today, Robo serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to work on the water and to travel,” said Robo.
Skills and values similar to those found in Virginia Beach are important to succeed in the military.
“I worked in the country in Virginia,” said Robo. “From that experience, I developed a strong work ethic, which has helped me throughout my Navy career.”
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, Robo 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.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by protecting our waters from adversary threats and ensuring trade routes remain free and open,” said Robo.
As Robo and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is an admirable job because I can get to be a face of the Navy in an area that doesn’t have a high Navy presence,” said Robo. “I am proud to be a representation of sailors for those who don’t get to interact with the Navy on a daily basis.”
Robo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my best friend, Christina Robo, for sticking with me through my career,” added Robo.