BOSTON - Lt. Patrick Caldwell, a graduate of Texas Maritime Academy, is one of more than 60 sailors celebrating America’s 249 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
A native of Houston, Texas, Caldwell earned a bachelor’s degree in maritime transportation from the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M Galveston in 2016.
Caldwell joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Caldwell serves as a surface warfare officer.
“Both of my grandfathers were naval aviators, and my parents grew up around that,” Caldwell said. “I grew up hearing my grandfathers’ stories through my parents. I’ve always had a sense of adventure, and I wanted to travel. The Navy seemed like a way to satisfy that, go places and see things while getting paid.”
Launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797, Constitution is the only surviving vessel of the Navy’s original six frigates and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels in its nearly 60 years of active service.
Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution’s primary mission is education and outreach, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard each year. Its crew of more than 60 sailors is hand-picked to preserve and protect Constitution, while promoting naval history, maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. The ship’s original missions of defending American interests and protecting sea lanes to ensure commerce remain at the forefront of the Navy’s mission today.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Caldwell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of becoming a leader and earning my sailors' trust,” Caldwell said. “It’s tough to build rapport with people when you’re a 23-year-old ensign. It takes time to learn about your sailors and their lives. It’s not something that comes naturally. That I was able to do that, it’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, learning and executing that.”
Caldwell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy is a way to see the world, give back to my community and develop skills for my future,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Brent and Catherine, for always supporting my decisions, especially this one to join the Navy,” Caldwell added. “I also want to thank my friends and family for their support.”