BOSTON – Petty Officer 3rd Class Elijah Yearwood, a native of Laurel, Maryland, 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 |
Yearwood, a 2021 Penn Foster High School graduate, joined the Navy a year and a half ago.
Today Yearwood serves as an operations specialist.
“I wanted to do something meaningful,” said Yearwood. “I wanted to experience something different and learn new things. I felt like the Navy was the avenue to find what I really want to do.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Laurel are important to succeed in the military.
“My family worked hard for everything they have and that gave me humility and appreciation,” said Yearwood. “Those qualities make me, I think, more approachable and easy going which benefits me in my Navy career.”
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, Yearwood 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.
“Our mission is important because the Navy protects free trade and keeps the waters open,” said Yearwood. “Without the Navy, we might not have the free trade that we do today.”
As Yearwood and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“We join to sacrifice our freedoms for the freedoms of others,” said Yearwood. “I'm doing this for my family and I'm proud to wear the uniform. I'm doing this for the safety of my family and the safety of others.”
Yearwood is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my family and everyone I've come into contact with since joining the navy,” added Yearwood. “Positive or negative, they have all had an impact on my career. I'm also very grateful for my girlfriend. If it weren't for her I probably wouldn't have promoted. She pushes me."