BOSTON – Fireman Kye’lle Roberts, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, 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 |
Roberts, a 2021 William L. Dickinson High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
Today Roberts serves as a damage controlman.
“I joined the Navy for a change in my environment and for the experiences,” said Roberts. “I wanted to be a firefighter and I thought joining the Navy would help provide experience to do that.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Jersey City are important to succeed in the military.
“I was raised to to keep a strong sense of self, to be authentic and to be kind to those around me,” said Roberts. “I keep that with me every day.”
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, Roberts 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 does so much more than people realize,” said Roberts. “We protect the seas and do much more than just deterrence.”
As Roberts and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving the Navy means a lot to me,” said Roberts. “I love the feeling of making my family proud and putting a smile on my mom’s face. Even little things like being thanked for my service makes me feel proud; like I'm doing something and contributing in some way.”
Roberts is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m grateful that my parents pushed me and steered me in the right direction,” added Roberts. “They put the coal on my back to figure out what I wanted to do. Additionally, I’m grateful that Air Force JROTC Tech. Sgt. William McCoy was always pushing me to do something with my life. He's always in the back of my head.”