BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Marchese, a native of Shakopee, Minnesota, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Marchese, a 2005 Shakopee High School graduate, joined the Navy 18 years ago.
Today Marchese serves as a Navy career counselor.
“It's a family business,” said Marchese. “Both of my parents, my uncle, my cousin, my grandfather all served. We have a family history in the service all the way back to World War I.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Shakopee are important to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in this organization,” said Marchese. “My parents served collectively 43 years. Being a military child, I learned independence. Being very independent has helped me a lot, especially as a career counselor. I don't need someone telling me what I need to do, I already know what needs to be done and I take responsibility for it.”
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, Marchese 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 provides freedom of navigation,” said Marchese. “We keep the seas free. We are a large presence globally. We are global mediators.”
As Marchese and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Seving in the Navy offers a sense of family and ownership,” said Marchese. “Being surrounded by like-minded people that think about the same things gives me a renewed vigor. Being able to train new sailors who are going to replace me really is an honor.”
Marchese is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“There are too many people to thank,” added Marchese. “I was young, immature and stubborn, but through the hard work and dedication of my mentors I have succeeded. There really are too many people to thank.”