Constitution Sailors Teach Naval History in Phoenix

By Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Thomas Rooney, USS Constitution Public Affairs

PHOENIX (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors taught more than 600 students naval history at Centennial Junior High School in Phoenix, March 27.

Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Brian Pettee, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Scott Bartlett, Seaman William Gillaspie, Seaman Bianca Linares and Seaman Deidre Foster gave their presentation as a part of Phoenix Navy Week, March 26-30.

"It was a very rewarding experience to be able to bring our naval heritage to such a large, diverse group of kids," said Pettee. "Many of the students have never had the chance to see the ocean, let alone a Navy Sailor."

The history lesson included facts about why the United States established a Navy, Constitution's construction, her famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 and the ship in modern times. They finally answered questions from students about the Navy.

"Early U.S. History is such a large part of the middle school curriculum," said Shep Golos, the school's assistant principal. "It was very meaningful for the students to get this knowledge firsthand from actual Sailors; it really brought the lesson to life."

Constitution Sailors undergo 20 weeks of naval history training, along with additional weekly training. They are also scheduled to give history presentations at Pueblo Middle School and Sonoran Middle School and to 3rd and 4th graders at South Mountain Community Library.

Phoenix is the first of eight Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors are scheduled to participate in throughout 2012, celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

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. Phoenix 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.