Anchored in Service: Lander Veteran Celebrates U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary

As the nation observes the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on Oct. 13, Lander alumnus Jeff Long is among the thousands of Navy veterans who share the values of honor, courage and commitment that are part of military service.

“I’m just humbled by being counted among the brave men and women who have shaped this country,” said Long, who served from 2012 to 2020.

A History of Success

The U.S. Navy was established on Oct. 13, 1775, by the Continental Congress. According to the American Revolution Institute, Congress authorized the purchase of two merchant vessels to be fitted out as war ships. Then, on Nov. 10, 1775, Congress went further to establish “two battalions of American Marines.” This marked the first steps in the nation’s naval and marine history.

Over the course of the American Revolutionary War, about 70 vessels were commissioned for the Continental Navy and about 3,500 men served in the Navy and Marines.

After the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy emerged as a respected maritime force, having proved its capability against the mighty British fleet. The Civil War accelerated naval innovation, introducing ironclad ships, which marked the end of wooden warships and the beginning of modern naval engineering. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. Navy embraced steel construction, new weaponry, and global strategy, to become a symbol of America’s growing international power.

A High-Profile Career

Long’s service was inspired by the career of an uncle who served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years and a personal desire “to join the Navy’s nuclear program and set myself up to have a lucrative career in a growing field of work.”

During his service, Long underwent training to become part of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. The mission of the Ceremonial Guard is to represent the Navy in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the guard participate in some of the nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials. In addition, the Navy Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and conducts all services for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The grueling selection process has a high attrition rate, and only one percent of the entire U.S. Navy are selected to serve.

As a member of the Ceremonial Guard, Long trained, coached and mentored staff to maintain a standard of excellence at countless multi-national ceremonies. In total, he scheduled 647 high-profile events and worked to ensure the training of 61 employees for activities as varied as a Super Bowl performance, nationally televised games and White House ceremonies for the U.S. President.

His naval career also took him to Japan for two years as part of a naval operation to repair and recertify the ship, USS McCampbell (DDG 85), a guided missile destroyer.

Long earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Lander in 2020 and works at Michelin in Anderson in the field of quality control.

“Knowing my service contributed to the U.S. Navy and its many traditions fills me with immense pride,” Long said. “The Navy taught me the importance of a highly professional appearance and work ethic. I also worked closely with foreign nationals and a highly diverse work group.”