USS Constitution Departs for Phoenix Navy Week

From USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will participate in Phoenix Navy Week in Phoenix, March 26-30.

Sailors will kick off their participation by serving as the color guard detail for the Korean War Veteran's Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza where Rear Adm. Patrick Brady, commander, Space and Naval Warfare Command, is scheduled to speak.

"Navy Weeks are a great opportunity to share Constitution and the Navy with cities that may not know much about who we are and what we do," said Cmdr. Matthew Bonner, Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. "This year is especially important with the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 and explaining the Navy's role in that conflict and our missions today."

Sailors are also scheduled to teach early U.S. naval history and interact with more than 500 students at Centennial Middle School, Pueblo Middle School, Sonoran Middle School and the South Mountain Community Library.

Additionally, they will visit East Valley, Ariz. and Scottsdale, Ariz. Boys and Girls Clubs to provide mentorship and share their professional experiences with youth there.

"Our nation's freedom and spirit was built on the foundation of great Americans, like the Sailors who served on board USS Constitution," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Scott Bartlett, Constitution's command historian. "I'm extremely excited to share these Sailor's stories to the youth of Phoenix."

This 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.

Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history. For more information, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.