Seaman Latia Miller, a native of Los Angeles, California, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
Miller, a 2020 South Hills High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago. Today Miller serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy for the experience and to meet people,” said Miller. “I just woke up one day and said ‘I want to join the Navy.’”
Skills and values similar to those found in Los Angeles are important to succeed in the military.
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“My hometown taught me to be open because not everyone is raised the same,” said Miller. “The military is full of different people from different cultures, so it’s important to keep an open mind and not to close yourself off to the diversity the Navy has to offer.”
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, Miller 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 is important to national defense because most of the other branches are on land and the world is 70% water,” said Miller. “The Navy gives us more reach and opportunities to help.”
As Miller and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“A lot of people wouldn’t take the time to go and join the military,” said Miller. “It’s inspiring to be a part of this organization because even the smallest thing can be a large contribution to be proud of.”
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am thankful to my mom, because she made me realize perspective is everything and nothing,” added Miller. “I didn’t join because of what everyone else was doing, but because life is full of choices, and this was an opportunity. My mom helped me realize that.”
