BOSTON – Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Falcocchio, a native of Bluffton, South Carolina, 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 |
Falcocchio, a 2014 Bluffton High School graduate, joined the Navy almost nine years ago.
Today, Falcocchio serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I went to a technical school and had a teacher who was a nurse in the Army for 20 years,” said Falcocchio. “I considered going into the Army but my brother joined, so I decided to go into the Marines, however, I chose the Navy because I wanted to be in the medical field.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Bluffton are important to succeed in the military.
“Being from the South, I learned manners and how to address people as ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am,” said Falcocchio. “Being taught how to act respectfully has helped me a lot in the Navy. Also, having the jobs I had before the Navy helped me learn that I could do any job I am faced with.”
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, Falcocchio 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 how we have lasted as a country because, without it, we could not defend the nation or defend trade routes,” said Falcocchio.
As Falcocchio 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 giving back,” said Falcocchio. “I have had people serve for me, so now it s my turn. When I am done, someone else will serve. It also means that I can be someone that other people look up to.”
Falcocchio is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for their support on deployments and my two brothers,” added Falcocchio. “I also want to give a big thank you to Chief Bellflower, who was the first mentor I had in the Navy. He taught me so much. Another mentor I want to thank is Senior Chief Debelen, who taught me how to be a good person. She was just such a great person to be around.”