BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Soevn Chea, a native of Revere, Massachusetts, 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 |
Chea, a 1997 Cathedral High School graduate, joined the Navy 21 years ago.
Today, Chea serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel, for the educational benefits and to do something greater than myself,” said Chea.
Skills and values similar to those found in Revere are important to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me resiliency,” said Chea. “You have to be strong in the Navy and you have to get back up every time you fall.”
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, Chea 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 by keeping trade lanes open,” said Chea.
As Chea 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 a lot to me,” said Chea. “It means I am protecting our country’s freedoms that we wouldn’t have without the military.”
Chea is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to do something better and the people I've worked with for leading me throughout my career,” added Chea.