By Ensign Rebecca Ives
Navy Office of Community Outreach
James Green )
BOSTON – Seaman Alec Morris, a native of Alto, Michigan, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
Morris, a 2018 Caledonia High School graduate joined the Navy one and a half years ago.
Today Morris serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I played soccer in college first and worked on my degree for a bit,” said Morris. “I decided I wanted to enlist. I am sixth-generation Navy.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Alto are important to succeed in the military.
“I grew up on a farm where I had a set schedule and daily responsibilities,” said Morris. “I’ve been disciplined from early childhood and that discipline carries over into my career in the Navy.”
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, Morris 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.
“Without the Navy, we might not have our trade routes or be able to do what we do out in the ocean,” said Morris. “The Navy is on watch 24/7. We are maritime security for the U.S.”
As Morris and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I chose to serve the Navy as a corpsman because I worked as a trauma nurse at Spectrum Health Butterworth before I joined,” said Morris. “It would mean the world to me to use those skills to help Sailors and make sure they get to come home.”
Morris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am so grateful to my parents,” added Morris. “They have supported me in every step. From playing soccer in college, to leaving college, to joining the Navy. No matter what course I choose, they are always there for me.”
