Sailors assigned to USS Constitution participated in a Navy Office of Community Outreach Navy Week in Charleston, S.C. March 11 – March 17.

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. Charleston Navy Week showcased the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provided residents the opportunity to meet with active-duty Sailors firsthand. 

Constitution Sailors kicked off their participation with a historical discussion of ‘Old Ironsides’ at James Island Elementary School. Additionally, Sailors presented the colors during the Citadel Bulldogs vs. University of South Carolina and the Charleston Southern University vs. College of Charleston baseball games, and during Charleston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Later in the week, Constitution Sailors spent time at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center and USS Yorktown, a decommissioned, World War II Essex-class aircraft carrier that now serves a museum. They also participated in a house build with Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

"I really enjoyed Charleston, I think it is an amazing city,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Christian Hensley. “To be able to impact both kids and adults was a great experience and I’d love to be able to do it again."

This was the second of 13 Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors will participate in this year. They participated in previous activities in Mobile, Ala.

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. 

For more news from USS Constitution, visit www.navy.mil/. 

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