Constitution Sailors Teach Naval History during New Orleans Navy Week

By Seaman Shannon Heavin, USS Constitution Public Affairs

METAIRIE, La. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors taught more than 40 middle school students about naval history at St. Louis King of France School in Metairie, La., May 10.

Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Shirley, executive officer of Constitution, Yeoman 1st Class (SCW) Chrishinda Dobbs, Master-at-Arms Seaman Gary Matthias, Airman Sang Nguyen and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Andrew Wyall gave their interactive presentation as part of New Orleans Navy Week.

"Our Sailors promoted USS Constitution and the Navy like they do every day, but today was customized for the children," said Dobbs. "I am very proud of their performance."

Sailors also showed artifacts of the ship, such as authentic rigging, an 1812-era telescope and books from the USS Constitution Museum. They also answered questions about the War of 1812 and their jobs in the Navy.

"For never having seen Constitution in real life or visited Boston, the level of interest was incredible," said Wyall. "The students were attentive, asked great questions and were enthusiastic. I had a fantastic time."

Sailors assigned to Constitution undergo 20 weeks of naval history training, along with additional weekly training.

"This has been very rewarding for the students," said Kathleen Gervais, teacher at St. Louis King of France. "From reading textbooks to interacting with a presentation by actual Sailors, it has opened the students' eyes."

New Orleans is one of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.