U.S. Navy veteran Gina Harden was one of the first women in the Navy to become a diver.
“I just loved the sea. I loved the water. Being around, it’s always been where my soul is,” Harden told WESH.
The Satellite Beach, FL, native served in the Navy for 12 years. During that time she’s served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. In 2009, Harden was awarded the Bronze Star for “Meritorious Service” for her role as Officer In Charge of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Forward Headquarters in Afghanistan, the ” target=”_blank”>Women Divers Hall of Fame reports.
Ever since she was a little girl, Harden has wanted to swim the English Channel.
“I didn’t want to leave my life knowing there was something on the table that I wanted to do that I didn’t do,” she said.
On July 18, the 61-year-old veteran put two years of training to the test, and set off on a 16 hour swim from England to France.
Harden was accompanied by a pilot boat during her swim across the channel, but the only stops she made were for some water, a banana, and a Twinkie.
“Boy, and it tasted good, too. I’m like this is wet but I’m shoving it in my mouth,” Harden told WESH. “You have so much time. You’re in your own head so long. I was singing — Praying.”
The 33-mile swim left Harden cramped, tired and cold, but she pressed on until dry land was in sight, and eventually under her feet.
“First I stood up and fell flat on my face. It took forever for me to be able to stand up,” Harden said. “All these French people, families – a dog came running toward me. I think there is a picture of me holding the U.S. flag and I’m just totally dazed.”
This is an accomplishment the Navy veteran will not soon forget.
“Watching the French shore pull away I was like, ‘Yes, I did it!’” Harden said.