Boston, Massachusetts - Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will participate in a Navy Office of Community Outreach Navy Week in Mobile, Alabama February 27-March 4.
The primary purpose of the Navy Week program is to increase the public’s awareness of the Navy by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Mobile Navy Week will showcase the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provide residents the opportunity to meet with Sailors firsthand.
Constitution Sailors will kick off their participation with a historical discussion of ‘Old Ironsides’ at Gulf Quest Maritime Museum Navy Day, Boys and Girls Club – Kiwanis Branch, Theodore High School Navy Day, Boys and Girls Club – Semmes Branch, Kate Shepard Elementary, and Boys and Girls Club – Gillard Elementary Branch. Additionally, Sailors will present the colors during the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams' (DDG 95) arrival ceremony, Saraland Mardi Gras Parade, Joe Cain Parade, and Order of Doves parade. Later in the week, Constitution Sailors will spend time interacting with Mobile’s children at the USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
"Navy Weeks represent a tremendous opportunity for our Sailors to engage with thousands of Americans across the country to generate support for the Navy’s mission," said Nathaniel R. Shick, 75th Commanding Officer of USS Constitution. "It gives them an opportunity to take what they've learned aboard Constitution and share that history and enthusiasm with our citizens."
This is the first of 13 Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors will participate in this year.
Constitution, America’s “Ship of State”, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797-1855. The World’s Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat, Constitution embodies 221 years of maritime heritage and unwavering service to her country. Now a featured destination on Boston’s Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of active duty U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval sea power to more than 500,000 visitors each year. Constitution is berthed at Pier One in Charlestown Navy Yard.
For more information on Constitution, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.
