BOSTON – Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Jordan, a native of Carrollton, Texas, 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 |
Jordan, a 2000 Newman Smith High School graduate, joined the Navy 23 years ago.
Today Jordan serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy because my dad told me to look at other options rather than just the Marines,” said Jordan.
Skills and values similar to those found in Carrollton are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that change is inevitable,” said Jordan. “In the Navy, you have to adapt constantly. Some people don’t like change, but as a sailor, you have to be flexible and realize that it isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can absolutely be a wonderful thing. So it is important to take change as it comes and just go with the flow.”
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, Jordan 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 ensuring freedom of the seas,” said Jordan. “We have been completing the same missions for over 200 years, keeping shipping lanes open and the seas free. Without the Navy and our capabilities like submarines, planes and ships, adversaries could feel like they could do whatever they want. The Navy keep threats at bay and keeps them from reaching our soil.”
As Jordan 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 is a sense of pride,” said Jordan. “It also means I am carrying on a legacy for the next generation of service members. I think it is something everyone should do to understand what service men and women have to deal with daily.”
Jordan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my brother Jeremey who has been my sounding board and has helped with a lot of the decisions along the way,” added Jordan. “I also want to thank the mentors I have met at all my commands who I can constantly call if I ever need anything.”