BOSTON – Seaman Karsen Czarnecki, a native of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, 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 |
Czarnecki, a 2022 Black River Falls Community High School graduate, joined the Navy 10 months ago.
Today Czarnecki serves as a logistics specialist.
“A lot of my friends were going to college,” said Czarnecki. “I applied, but I wanted to do something different. I'm the first person in my family to join the service, so this was an opportunity to do something different.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Black River Falls are important to succeed in the military.
“I worked in respite care before joining and it required a lot of patience and empathy,” said Czarnecki. “These two characteristics are not only beneficial in my military career but also in life.”
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, Czarnecki 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.
“Our job is to defend and deter, and we do just that,” said Czarnecki.
As Czarnecki and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“This command is a little bit different,” said Czarnecki. “My service is a little bit different than you would find out in the fleet. We are more community outreach. It's cool to work on a piece of history and to be out here preserving and promoting the Navy.”
Czarnecki is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am so grateful for my dad,” added Czarnecki. “He is always there to assist me and help me succeed.”