BOSTON – Petty Officer 1st Class Suzanne Drew, a native of Carver, Massachusetts, of 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 |
Drew, a 2014 Old Colony Voc Tech graduate, joined the Navy eight years ago.
Today, Drew serves as an interior communications electrician.
“I joined the Navy to travel,” said Drew.
Skills and values similar to those found in Carver are important to succeed in the military.
“Carver taught me to have a strong work ethic,” said Drew. "I started working when I was 15 years old, which is where I got my hard work ethic from."
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, Drew 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 defends freedom of the seas and is ready at any time to protect against threats to our country,” said Drew. “We also ensure that trade routes remain open, and that no adversaries take action against us or our allies.”
As Drew 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 gives me a sense of purpose,” said Drew. "It makes me proud to know that I am part of something good and am making a difference by helping defend our nation.”
Drew is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank both Senior Chief Trisitan Estrada and my last leading petty officer, Kannon Farzell, for their mentorship, guidance and for teaching me a lot about leadership and how to better myself,” added Drew. "They really pushed me to grow and to be the best person I could be.”