BOSTON – Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Bond, a native of Douglasville, Georgia, 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 |
Bond, a 2017 Robert S. Alexander High School, graduate joined the Navy five years ago.
Today Bond serves as a Damage Controlman.
“I was in college and it wasn't what I wanted to do,” said Bond. “I had a friend in the Navy who told me about the military, so I did my research and enlisted.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Douglasville are important to succeed in the military.
“Douglasville taught me to have common sense, respect and southern hospitality,” said Bond. “If you're nice to people, they will be nice to you. Those are the words I live by in the Navy and it has helped me succeed.”
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, Bond 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.
“We have ships all over the world that are protecting our seas,” said Bond. “We act as a deterrent.”
As Bond and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I serve for my friends and the people that I serve with,” said Bond. “You make a lot of good relationships and it's what keeps me in.”
Bond is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“If it weren’t for my best friend, Kenneth Harris, I wouldn’t have joined,” added Bond. “He's the one that walked me through everything. I am grateful for him.”