BOSTON – Fireman Jeffrey Payne, a native of Washington, D.C., 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 |
Payne, a 2018 Fairmont Heights High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Payne serves as an electrician's mate.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities it provides and because I saw the Navy as a way to get to where I wanted to go,” said Payne.
Skills and values similar to those found in Washington, D.C. are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that if you want to succeed, then you are going to have to do the work yourself,” said Payne.
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, Payne 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 have a presence all around the world which allows us to deter foreign threats,” said Payne.
As Payne 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 protecting the seas and protecting Americans,” said Payne. “I am one of the faces of the Navy. There are many days that go by and people that I meet that have not met a sailor. Serving means I get to be a face of the Navy and a good representation of what a sailor is.”
Payne is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my ROTC instructor, Maj. Davis, for having a big impact on me even before I decided to join the Navy,” added Payne. “The way she carried herself and stood her ground inspired me. I also want to thank Electrician's Mate 1st Class Alshery, who is my Navy mom. She makes sure I am staying competitive and holds me to a higher standard.”
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, Payne 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 have a presence all around the world which allows us to deter foreign threats,” said Payne.
As Payne 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 protecting the seas and protecting Americans,” said Payne. “I am one of the faces of the Navy. There are many days that go by and people that I meet that have not met a sailor. Serving means I get to be a face of the Navy and a good representation of what a sailor is.”
Payne is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my ROTC instructor, Maj. Davis, for having a big impact on me even before I decided to join the Navy,” added Payne. “The way she carried herself and stood her ground inspired me. I also want to thank Electrician's Mate 1st Class Alshery, who is my Navy mom. She makes sure I am staying competitive and holds me to a higher standard.”