BOSTON – Petty Officer 2nd Class Skyler Okerman, a native of Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, 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 |
Okerman, a 2017 Exeter Senior High School graduate, joined the Navy five and a half years ago.
Today, Okerman serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father who served in the Marine Corps,” said Okerman.
Skills and values similar to those found in Exeter Township are important to succeed in the military.
“My parents set me up for success by preparing me for the real world,” said Okerman. “When I joined the Navy, I was not thrown into adulthood. I already knew how to cook, clean and pay bills. I found those skills very beneficial because I realized not everyone has that, and most people learn them after being in the Navy.”
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, Okerman 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 important to national defense because we protect the seas so that shipping lanes remain open, and so that adversaries don’t take action against us,” said Okerman.
As Okerman and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I feel proud every day to serve in the Navy and show the world what the Navy is capable of,” said Okerman. “I love when everyone asks me what I do for my job and I get to tell them what I do in the Navy.”
Okerman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant Grady,” added Okerman. “I have been stationed with him throughout my entire Navy career and he has helped me grow into the mass communication specialist and leader I am today. He is basically my big brother.”
"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, Okerman 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 important to national defense because we protect the seas so that shipping lanes remain open, and so that adversaries don’t take action against us,” said Okerman.
As Okerman and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I feel proud every day to serve in the Navy and show the world what the Navy is capable of,” said Okerman. “I love when everyone asks me what I do for my job and I get to tell them what I do in the Navy.”
Okerman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant Grady,” added Okerman. “I have been stationed with him throughout my entire Navy career and he has helped me grow into the mass communication specialist and leader I am today. He is basically my big brother.”