THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 Page 9 Fourth of July on USS Constitution A Saugus resident serves aboard Navy’s oldest commissioned warship as America celebrates independence By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach Special to The Saugus Advocate B OSTON - Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami, a resident of Saugus, Massachusetts, 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. Minami graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2022 and earned a certificate in 2019 from Syracuse University’s advanced military visual journalism program. Minami, 32, joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Minami serves as a mass communication specialist. “I joined the Navy because I felt like life was a little too slow and I was looking for more,” Minami said. “I wanted to accelerate my life, no pun intended. I visited recruiting offices for other military branches, but it was like a puzzle piece fit when I walked into the Navy recruiting office.” 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 70 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 NO HOLIDAY CRUISE: Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami, of Saugus, will spend his Independence Day aboard the 227-year-old warship nicknamed “Old Ironsides.” He will be among 60 sailors celebrating America’s 249 years of independence. (Courtesy Photo of U.S. Navy; by Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami) 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. Minami has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “Being able to get the job and becoming a journalist are my proudest moments because they’ve led me to where I am today, serving as the communications director of USS Constitution,” Minami said. “I’m also proud of being able to have taught at the Defense Information School (DINFOS). One of my former students just called me the other day to tell me about getting a job at the White House. I have former students serving in all types of capacities. Being able to instruct or have that legacy in the military and with other humans all over the world means a lot. They’ve made rank, and watching them crush it is fantastic. It’s always a really strong hug when we see each other.” “I’m also proud that my wife is willing to move with me and has joined the Navy family. We got married when I was a DINFOS instructor. I’m lucky to have someone join me on this Navy journey.” Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami, of Saugus, plans on working on the Fourth of July aboard USS Constitution – America’s oldest commissioned warship. (Courtesy Photo of U.S. Navy, by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart) Minami 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 means I get to defend the country I love, my home and make my friends, family and myself proud,” Minami said. “I’m able to give back to my community and make lots of lifelong J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. friends.” Minami is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank the crew of the USS Bataan from 20142017, who made me not just the sailor but the person I am today,” Minami added. “I did a combat deployment with MINAMI | SEE PAGE 13 S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. 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