Gordon native serves aboard Constitution, Navy’s oldest commissioned warship
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GORDON – A Gordon native is serving aboard the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, the oldest in the world.
Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Guenther is a 2018 North Schuylkill graduate and is one of more than 60 sailors who will celebrate Independence Day aboard Constitution, the last of the U.S. Navy’s first six frigates.
Nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” the Constitution launched in 1797 and is primarily a vessel for education and outreach. The Navy says crew 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.
Guenther, the Navy says, found the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy growing up at the foot of the Broad Mountain.
“Growing up, I’ve learned respect and to honor your elders,” Guenther said. “I’ve always listened to the advice and experience of those who’ve gone before me.”
He joined the Navy seven years ago and is a quartermaster today.
“I grew up in a military and state police family,” Guenther said. “My father, David Guenther, was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and my stepfather, Dean Reader, was also in the Air Force as a sergeant. My late-grandfather, Dick Guenther, served as a specialist in the Army. I also had a lifelong fascination with ships, as well as a deep admiration for my grandfather, Alfred Santelli, who previously served in the Navy as a damage controlman second class during the Vietnam Era. He was the greatest influence on me to join the Navy.”
“My proudest accomplishment is receiving orders to USS Constitution as the ship’s quartermaster,” Guenther added. “I went through an extensive recommendation and screening process. Being selected to serve on board America’s ship of state, the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world, is such a great honor.”
“Serving in the Navy means service, adventure and professional growth,” Guenther continued. “It’s a great way to serve your country and your community, to see the world, to meet all kinds of people and do all things you wouldn’t do in any other career field.”
Guenther is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Dave Guenther and Beth Readler, and my late grandfather, Alfred ‘Pap’ Santelli, for all their love and support,” Guenther added. “I would also like to thank my leading chief petty officers, Chief Quartermaster Her Lee, Senior Chief Quartermaster Leon Williams and Quartermaster 1st Class Melvin Noble, as well as countless others, for all their guidance and support.”
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