USS Constitution Sailors Help Renovate School Destroyed by Hurricane Katrina

By Seaman Michael Achterling, USS Constitution Public Affairs

GRETNA, La. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution participated in a community service project to help renovate property at Reed Elementary School in New Orleans, April 20.

Reed Elementary School was one of three schools destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Sailors helped the City Year New Orleans-sponsored event as part of New Orleans Navy Week, April 16-23.

"To be able to assist City Year at an elementary school that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina was an honor," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Conrad Hunt, Constitution. "Doing volunteer service projects is a wonderful way to show my appreciation to the people that I serve."

Sailors painted flower beds, built wooden waste container storages and provided general clean-up services.

"I love volunteering within the community," said Damage Control Fireman Ashley Fairfax, Constitution. "Giving back to a community is something that makes you proud and smile at the end of the day."

City Year New Orleans' service programs include school-based service and community engagement. They have 23 active locations across the United States and two international sites.

"City Year's primary mission is to keep kids in school and make sure they are on track to graduate," said Peggy Mendoza, executive officer for City Year New Orleans. "It's really inspiring to see our corps members serve alongside military service members. Everyone is donating their own time to help out this school."

The volunteer event at Reed Elementary School is one of 29 community relation projects taking place during New Orleans Navy Week.

New Orleans is the second 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. New Orleans 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.

For more information on the bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit http://www.ourflagwasstillthere/.