BOSTON – Petty Officer 2nd Class Pedro Bernabe, a Bronx, New York, native, 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 |
Bernabe, a 2009 Lewis D. Brandies High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago.
Today Bernabe serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy for my daughter,” said Bernabe. “I want to be able to show her that she can make something out of herself.”
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, Bernabe 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 unique from every other branch which is crucial for national defense,” said Bernabe. “We protect the country at sea, in the air and on land. We can deter way more adversary threats because we have a sea presence.”
As Bernabe 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 great deal to me,” said Bernabe. “I know that I am doing something different than most people from my hometown so it means a lot to be here.”
Bernabe is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Chief Rebbeca Hardgrave, Chief Warrant Officer Dion Jones and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jose Avile because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today,” added Bernabe. “They pushed me real hard and kept me focused.”