BOSTON – Petty Officer 2nd Class Andre Flamini, a native of Medford, New Jersey, 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 |
Flamini, a 2018 Cherokee High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago.
Today Flamini serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country, for the educational benefits and to make a difference,” said Flamini.
Skills and values similar to those found in Medford are important to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned important life skills like how to cook and how to be an adult,” said Flamini. “I was very lucky to learn those lessons before I joined the Navy so I didn’t have to learn them as I go.”
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, Flamini 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 the savior of the seas,” said Flamini. "We contribute to national defense by protecting merchant trade and other countries and conducting humanitarian missions.”
As Flamini 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 helping others,” said Flamini. “We defend the nation but mostly with my job, I help others.”
Flamini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for being there for me and supporting me throughout my entire career,” added Flamini.