BOSTON – Petty Officer 3rd Class Kayla McCuen, a native of Ackworth, Iowa, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
McCuen, a 2013 Indianola High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
Today, McCuen serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities and to travel,” said McCuen.
Skills and values similar to those found in Ackworth are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to be humble and calm in stressful situations,” said McCuen. “Especially in my job as a hospital corpsman, we can see some very intense situations. It’s important to stay calm, so you don’t freak out the patient. Being humble is also important, so you can receive information from any rank and make yourself better in the long run.”
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, McCuen 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 through a presence around the world that deters adversary aggression and shows enemies our strength,” said McCuen.
As McCuen 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 I am part of something bigger than myself,” said McCuen.
McCuen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my first mentor, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Woods,” added McCuen. “She helped me navigate what it means to be a corpsman and the qualifications I needed.”