Sailors Assigned to USS Constitution to Participate in Baltimore Navy Week

Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will participate in Baltimore Navy Week as part of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 commemoration taking place there June 11-19.

Constitution Sailors have multiple visits with local veterans planned, and will perform War of 1812-era gun drills and 17th century boarding pike drills daily in the vicinity of USS Constellation.

“We are excited about continuing the 1812 Bicentennial in Baltimore,” said Cmdr. Matthew Bonner, Constitution’s 72nd commanding officer. “It is a city with a rich history, especially during the War of 1812, and it has warmly welcomed us during previous Navy Weeks. We are looking forward to the opportunity to share the ship’s rich history and its Sailors with the people of the city as well as the other ships that are supporting the event.”

Sailors are scheduled to help those in need at Lock Raven Veterans Association Community Living Center and Hospice, the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore, and serve food at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen.

Additionally, they will visit the Hartford County Boy Scouts Camp to provide mentorship and share their professional experiences with youth there.

“Navy weeks are an amazing opportunity to share the ships history and the mission of today’s Navy with people from all over the country,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Christopher Haws. “I am truly honored to participate in Baltimore’s celebration because the city, much like Boston, was an integral factor in establishing our Navy’s foundation.”

This is the fifth of eight Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors are scheduled to participate in throughout 2012, celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Baltimore Navy Week will be held in conjunction with the city’s Star-Spangled Sailbration, a festival that will host a series of tall ships and the Navy Blue Angels.

The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Baltimore Navy Week will showcase the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provide residents the opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand.

Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today’s Navy. America’s Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Constitution’s mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship’s history.

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Naval Today Staff, June 13, 2012; Image: US Navy