The Navy Community Service Program awarded the crew of USS Constitution the 2014 Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship Award for small shore commands March 23, as selected by the Chief of Naval Operations.

The Personal Excellence Partnership Award recognizes outstanding community service projects each year. The awards are presented to shore, sea, and overseas commands. The purpose of the accolade is to promote a joint Navy and community effort to assist in the education and enrichment of America's youth and communities and in revitalizing citizenry.

Constitution crew members accumulated more than 7,000 hours of volunteer time during approximately 168 command organized events from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014, resulting in 19 Sailors earning their Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

"The mission of USS Constitution and her crew is to tell the story of the ship and the Navy, and a big part of that story is the great contributions Sailors make out in their communities every day across the nation and around the globe," said Cmdr. Sean D. Kearns, Constitution's 73rd commanding officer. "I could not be more proud of this crew and the thousands of hours of their personal time that they dedicate to helping the local community here in the Boston area, particularly their efforts in support of veterans with organizations such as New England Center for Homeless Veterans."

The crew of Old Ironsides strives to make a positive impact in communities throughout Massachusetts and nationwide through their participation in annual U.S. Navy Weeks. Sailors assigned to the ship have volunteered numerous hours in 2014 with organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans.

"The best part about being attached to a shore command is the volunteer opportunities," said Electricians Technician 1st Class Adam Way, Constitution's 2014 command volunteer coordinator. "Constitution has always supported its crew in participating in local volunteer opportunities, and really advocates for its Sailors to earn their MOVSM, which is great to see."

The ship is also the recipient of the 2014 President's Volunteer Service Award, as well as the 2013 Thompson-Ravitz unit award for Community Relations.

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 news and information from USS Constitution, visit: www.navy.mil/local/constitution/ or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.