BOSTON – Airman Jasmine Johnson, a native of Chicago, Illinois, 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 |
Johnson, a 2021 Bronzeville Military Academy graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
“I joined the Navy to make my family proud and to carry on a tradition of military service,” said Johnson. "I also looked up to my grandfather who served in the Marines as a doctor during WWII. There were not many opportunities available to black people at the time, so seeing what he was doing really inspired me. Now with my service, I am carrying on that legacy while making my family proud. I am the only female in my family to serve."
Skills and values similar to those found in Chicago are important to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me self-control, discipline and respect,” said Johnson. "I was raised old school, so when I messed up, it was on me. It’s important to not take things out of proportion when that does happen. I also learned in Chicago to be willing to accept others which is very important 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, Johnson 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 trade routes, keeping the sea lines open and being the first to respond to provide aid when a natural disaster occurs,” said Johnson.
As Johnson 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 being a hero and being at the center of protecting people,” said Johnson. “There is more to this world than most civilians know. I want to be known as someone who would be there at the right time and for the right purpose to protect our citizens.”
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my late grandparents, my aunt, Britanny Johnson, my grandmother and my mom and stepdad,” added Johnson. “I want to provide as much for them as they did for me growing up. I also want to thank the friends I have made along the way.”
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, Johnson 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 trade routes, keeping the sea lines open and being the first to respond to provide aid when a natural disaster occurs,” said Johnson.
As Johnson 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 being a hero and being at the center of protecting people,” said Johnson. “There is more to this world than most civilians know. I want to be known as someone who would be there at the right time and for the right purpose to protect our citizens.”
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my late grandparents, my aunt, Britanny Johnson, my grandmother and my mom and stepdad,” added Johnson. “I want to provide as much for them as they did for me growing up. I also want to thank the friends I have made along the way.”