BOSTON – Lt. Patrick Caldwell, a native of Houston, Texas, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
Caldwell, a 2012 Clear Lake High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
Today Caldwell serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I joined the navy because it seemed cool,” said Caldwell. “There's nothing more poetic than that.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Houston are important to succeed in the military.
“Prior jobs have taught me to be analytical and look past what’s on the surface,” said Caldwell. “It made me want to travel more.”
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, Caldwell 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 for strategic deterrence,” said Caldwell. “Our Navy is the forwardmost asset available for power projection around the world.”
As Caldwell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's a challenging and rewarding career opportunity,” said Caldwell. “It's nice to do something that's serving your country, of course. But it really is a good career opportunity, and it's not the same thing every day.”
Caldwell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for one of my officers in charge at Texas A&M, then Lt. Bobby Chapin,” added Caldwell. “He was a submariner and he had very high standards. He gave me someone to attempt to emulate.”