As Boothbay Harbor prepares to celebrate the 64th annual Windjammer Days, this year’s theme proudly honors the past, present, and retired members of the United States Navy who have served our nation with dedication and distinction. Throughout the coming weeks, we will feature a series of profiles highlighting local Navy service members—sharing their stories, experiences, and the lasting impact of their service. These articles are a tribute to the men and women whose commitment to duty reflects the maritime heritage at the heart of Windjammer Days and the deep appreciation of our community. Unfortunately not all current or former Navy service members in the area can be individually featured. To have a Navy veteran or active-duty member mentioned on the Windjammer Days webpage, please email Friends of Windjammers (www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org). Please include name and rank. 

By Jerry Farnham

I remember deciding to join the Navy vividly, driving with my parents going across the old Bath bridge seeing the ships at Bath Iron Works. Not that there's anything wrong with Boothbay Harbor, but I saw those ships as a way to get out of Boothbay Harbor and see the world. My original plan was to do four years and come back to lobstering, but 9/11 happened and there was no way I was going to get out when my country needed me the most.

I was 18, in my junior year in high school when I joined the early entry program. I left for boot camp June 17, 1998 just 12 days after graduating high school. It was such a huge change for me, boot camp, "A" school, and going to my first ship was such a culture shock. Then traveling to different countries, it was a great time. I learned a lot about life, and myself. I had originally joined to be an engineman, a mechanic, but my career shifted and ended up doing base police and security.

A memory that stands out was when we were stuck on base in Bahrain, not allowed to leave. The base had a cool outdoor bar. A bunch of us went, all my friends, a diverse group of different races, religions and beliefs, but we were all friends, shipmates. We all sang "Proud to be an American Together." The world would be a better place if we could all do that. The Navy made me more open minded and I value family more. The Navy just compounded the work ethic my parents had already built.

I’d advise that young people considering a Navy to do it, but go all in. Make Boothbay Harbor proud. As I always say when someone thanks me for my service, it was a privilege and I mean that with all my heart and sincerity.