BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Hilary Lemelinm, a native of Berlin, New Hampshire, 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 |
Lemelin, a 2009 Berlin High School graduate, joined the Navy nine and a half years ago.
Today, Lemelin serves as a Navy builder.
“I have always wanted to join the Navy,” said Lemelin. “It was a family tradition. I have aunts and uncle who served, so it was something I was always drawn to.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Berlin are important to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to be open-minded and honest,” said Lemelin. “I come from a really small town, so I was fortunate enough to have teachers and parents who taught me open-mindedness. I also learned growing up, to accept any challenge that comes my way. Even if you feel like you can't do something, there is always a way to figure it out or someone you can talk to who will help you figure it out.”
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, Lemelin 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.
“As a Seabee, we contribute to national defense through humanitarian missions,” said Lemelin. “I have gone to little towns and worked on projects, like clearing a space for a new road and building a classroom. Making those connections and seeing those cultures is important.”
As Lemelin 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 having honor and carrying on a legacy of patriotism and something that is bigger than yourself,” said Lemelin. “It also means being a part of the largest team that you can. Working with all these people can be challenging, but it is so cool to see everyone's different point of views.”
Lemelin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Britt, for supporting me no matter what I am doing and for being my best friend,” added Lemelin. “I also want to thank my daughter, Arlett, for always putting a smile on my face and for asking the best part of my day. Lastly, I want to thank my mom and dad for supporting me and helping me become the person I am today.”
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, Lemelin 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.
“As a Seabee, we contribute to national defense through humanitarian missions,” said Lemelin. “I have gone to little towns and worked on projects, like clearing a space for a new road and building a classroom. Making those connections and seeing those cultures is important.”
As Lemelin 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 having honor and carrying on a legacy of patriotism and something that is bigger than yourself,” said Lemelin. “It also means being a part of the largest team that you can. Working with all these people can be challenging, but it is so cool to see everyone's different point of views.”
Lemelin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Britt, for supporting me no matter what I am doing and for being my best friend,” added Lemelin. “I also want to thank my daughter, Arlett, for always putting a smile on my face and for asking the best part of my day. Lastly, I want to thank my mom and dad for supporting me and helping me become the person I am today.”