Sailors assigned to USS Constitution taught early U.S. Navy history to students at George Fowler High School in Syracuse, New York June 8.

Culinary Specialist Chief Everardo Gonzalez, Navy Counselor 1st Class TJ Stocking, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Austin Rush, Boatswain's Mate Seaman Donnie Bolton and Seaman Darion Delaney gave an interactive historical presentation to more than 75 11th grade students as part of Syracuse Navy Week, June 6-11.

"It's an honor being able to share the Navy's story with people," said Gonzalez. "We get to teach them about how the Navy played such an intricate role in our nations history."

Students learned about the creation of the Navy, Constitution's construction, her famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 and the mission of today's Navy as it relates to the past.

"The Constitution's crew provided an in depth history of their ship and thoroughly explained the integrity of why Constitution is the world's oldest sea worthy ship," said JR Conley, U.S. History teacher at Fowler High School.

Constitution Sailors undergo 20 weeks of naval history training as soon as they check on board, along with additional weekly training.

"It was great how we were able to share the history that we learn about USS Constitution with the students," said Rush. "Knowing what I do now about Constitution, I wish I was granted the opportunity to learn about the ship while I was in high school."

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. Syracuse Navy Week will showcase the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provide residents the opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand.

"The Sailors educated our 11th grade students with the many different opportunities the Navy offers to our young adults," said Conley. "Their presentation opened the eyes of our students and inspired them with more direction they can go in life."

USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to 1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval seapower to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

For more news and information on USS Constitution, visit http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution, http://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial/ or http://www.navy.mil/local/constitution/.