Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen, a native of Nesquehoning, serves as the commanding officer aboard one of the nation’s most versatile combat ships.

Mitzen joined the Navy 20 years ago. Today, Mitzen leads 70 sailors who make up the crew aboard USS Indianapolis based in Mayport, Florida.

“I loved the water, and when I was young I saw a picture in an old encyclopedia set of sailors climbing a cargo net during a swim call,” Mitzen said. “I wanted an adventure like that.”

Growing up in Nesquehoning, Mitzen attended Marian Catholic High School and graduated in 1997. Today, Mitzen finds the values in Nesquehoning similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“Perseverance was important where I grew up,” Mitzen said. “Work ethic was something I learned early, and it’s helped me in my career in the Navy. When challenges come up in the Navy, I think about the people I knew growing up in my hometown providing for their families. It helps keep things in perspective.”

These lessons have helped Mitzen while serving in the Navy.

Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, the LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.

“Serving as the commanding officer of this ship is a great honor,” said Mitzen. “We’re all part of the USS Indianapolis legacy and being part of this crew is incredible. Meeting these 70 Americans, learning their story, knowing how they are continuing a proud legacy is inspiring.”

According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an extensive training pipeline, sailors must qualify using state-of-the-art simulators that are nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately once they report aboard.

Serving in the Navy means Mitzen is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“It’s amazing how much travels by the ocean,” Mitzen said. “When that breaks down, the effects are felt everywhere. The Navy makes sure the law of the sea is upheld and that goods travel freely. We also provide for the overall defense of our country.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet, off the coasts of Central and South America, to support counternarcotics operations and conduct exercises and exchanges with partner nations. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” Gilday said. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

Mitzen leads his sailors to complete their mission, while taking pride in serving their country as members of the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means self-sacrifice for the good of our nation,” Mitzen said. “We need a strong Navy to protect those that matter most.”