BOSTON – Seaman Martienne Cabatingan, a sailor from Cebu, Philippines, 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 |
Cabatingan, a 2021 Ateneo De Cebu School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
Today Cabatingan serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I first moved to the U.S. to go to school,” said Cabatingan. “I decided to enlist for the educational benefits. Now, I’m a U.S. citizen, and I've been selected to go to the Naval Academy prep school.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Cebu are important to succeed in the military.
“I loved playing sports in Cebu,” said Cabatingan. “I learned teamwork, cooperation and leadership from playing soccer. Those skills have benefited me in boot camp and even more here on the Constitution.”
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, Cabatingan 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.
“I think the Navy is the first line of defense,” said Cabatingan. “ The Navy protects the seas which surround our country.”
As Cabatingan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“After being in awhile, I’ve realized serving doesn’t just benefit me, it benefits everyone,” said Cabatingan. “I am getting to branch out and meet new people from different cultures, thanks to the Navy.”
Cabatingan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom encouraged me to join after she found out about the benefits and opportunities, but I was skeptical about joining the military of a new country,” added Cabatingan. “She encouraged me to look into it, I did and I enlisted. And now I have an opportunity to go to the Naval Academy. I am so grateful to her.”