BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Munerah Alshehry, a native of Shawano, Wisconsin, 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 ClassJames Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Alshehry, a 2012 Shawano Community High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
Today Alshehry serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I went to college for a little bit, but then decided to join the Navy,” said Alshehry. “I've been using the Navy for educational benefits, and I will finally graduate in December 2023.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Shawano are important to succeed in the military.
“Moving to a small hometown from Saudi Arabia taught me how to start new, which helped me adapt to the Navy lifestyle,” said Alshehry. “I grew up different, but in the Navy, we're all so different and that’s what makes us so strong.”
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, Alshehry 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 is important to national defense because we deter aggression and our presence really does make a difference,” said Alshehry. “I saw that first hand on my last ship when we did a deployment to the Middle East and South America.”
As Alshehry and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I've learned so much about leadership in the Navy and how much one person can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Alshehry. “I am proud of the time and effort I have put in and my accomplishments make me proud to put on this uniform.”
Alshehry is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my mom and sister,” added Alshehry. “They have always been proud of me and have always been there for me. Their emails, letters and care packages while I’m on deployment make all the difference.”