Opinion: Dewey event is guide to pride

This past weekend many residents of Seal Beach and the surrounding areas took advantage of a rare opportunity as they observed the commissioning ceremony for USS Dewey (DDG 105).

The Dewey, a guided missile destroyer, is the newest and perhaps the most capable and sophisticated warship in the world.  The commissioning ceremony formally recognized its transition from the construction and testing phases of its lifecycle to the active US Navy fleet.

I had the privilege of serving as chairman of the Commissioning Committee.

The logistics of commissioning ceremonies (the hardware, invitations, etc) are centrally managed by a Navy office in Pascagoula, Miss., but the commissioning committee is charged with pulling together numerous social events, public affairs, fundraising (Navy pays only for the actual ceremony), community events performed by Sailors, financial management, crew entertainment and local transportation, purchases of mementos for the ship’s crew, filling seats at the ceremony, and more.  In this case, 4,500 “friends of the Navy” flooded the wharf at the Naval Weapons Station.

Several times during the commissioning week and following the ceremony, people shared with me a similar comment, words to the effect that, “After seeing this I don’t mind paying taxes.”  Though I suspect a more accurate statement might be that they now believe their defense dollars are being well-spent, I would like to share the main reasons why I believe they were compelled to make such a statement.

First is the quality of the young people who currently serve in the United States Navy (and for that matter, in all the armed services).  What my friends and acquaintances witnessed were bright and energetic young Americans who chose to serve their Navy and their country, and fully understand the gravity of their service.  Most could have gone to college, and others employed in a wide array of technical disciplines and trades that do not require significant time away from home, or potential danger.

At a time when perhaps 70 percent of age-eligible young people are not eligible for military service for reasons including drug use, obesity, criminal records or educational or aptitude deficiencies, our sailors are clearly coming from a most capable segment of their demographic.  They had other options.  They decided to serve.

I believe another reason for the comment is that Dewey is not just a metaphor for our nation’s technical and military superiority in the world; it is the physical embodiment of it.  Visiting Dewey or observing a smartly executed military ceremony renews our patriotism and national pride.  Rarely do Americans have the opportunity to see our military up close and personal.  Dewey reminds us that in a country that is blessed with abundance, young Americans choose to serve, and the nation provides them and trusts them with the most sophisticated weaponry in the world. Additionally, our national allies expect nothing less.

My hope is that Dewey is only the first of other such events to come to Seal Beach in years ahead.  With it’s impressive display of patriotism and ability to coalesce around a worthwhile endeavor, the city made a tremendous impression on the Navy leadership who will influence the decision on future ceremonies.

Capt. Jonathan D. Kurtz, USN (Ret) is a Seal Beach resident.