BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Grant Grady, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, 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 |
Grady, a 2012 Elder High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
Today Grady serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I have always wanted to serve since I was a kid,” said Grady. "I also spent my whole life in Cincinnati so I really wanted to break out and see new parts of the world.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Cincinnati are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that the key to success in anything is just putting your head down and working hard,” said Grady. "My dad always taught me that hard work and doing the right thing really does lead you to success. I also learned that success is not instant, it takes time. Even if you fail, if you keep working hard, the universe really works itself and you reach your goals in the end."
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, Grady 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 is important to national defense on two scopes,” said Grady. "First and foremost, we are a warfighting branch. Out of all the branches, we lead through strength and we lead with deterrence. We don’t often fight other navies because we are so strong. That strength ensures the seas remain open to all trade. This is where it all started with the Constitution. We are doing the same mission as we did back then."
As Grady 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 for me is an honor and a privilege,” said Grady. "The opportunities and experiences I have had, and the people I have met, especially Veterans, have really made an impact on me. Seeing what they have done and how they have laid the groundwork for me to follow in their footsteps has been an absolute honor."
Grady is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Kathy and my dad, Jim, for teaching me a lot growing up,” added Grady. “I probably wasn’t as appreciative when I was younger as I am now. However, they really did a lot for me. They have also always been there for me throughout my career. I also want tot to thank the mentors that I have had that have guided me throughout my career."