BOSTON – Airman John Wayne, a sailor who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Los Angeles, 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 |
Wayne joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Wayne serves as an aviation boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to work with planes,” said Wayne. "Since I was young, I was always fascinated by space, aircraft, the sky and skydiving, I was fascinated by the air. I also joined to travel and serve my country."
Skills and values similar to those found in Los Angeles are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Los Angeles to stay fit, to stay healthy and to have discipline,” said Wayne. “Staying fit in general is important because a lot of the jobs in the Navy have physical components. On the other hand, discipline is important because it helps me be consistent. I wake up at the same time every day regardless, if it is a weekend.”
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, Wayne 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 international seas and our borders,” said Wayne.
As Wayne and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It’s a great honor to be a part of the U.S. Navy,” said Wayne. “I have done a lot of great things in the Navy and I look forward to doing even more.”
Wayne is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my recruiter, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Arce, who helped me all the way through boot camp,” added Wayne. I always wanted to serve in the military and to have discipline in my life, but it was my recruiter who really helped guide me through the whole process.”