USS Constitution Sailors Depart for New York Fleet Week

By Seaman Michael Achterling, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will be participating in New York Fleet Week, May 23-25.

Fleet Week New York 2012 is an annual event that provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and is being held May 23-30.

"New York City Fleet Week is one of the 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration signature events," said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. "It is a wonderful opportunity to share Constitution's rich history and her mission today with Fleet Week's large audience and especially have the public meet the Sailors that make up her crew."

Constitution Sailors are expected to serve as the color guard detail for national recording artist Katy Perry, who will be performing a private concert to Fleet Week personnel. They'll also be giving interactive historical presentations of Constitution's history to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, Brooklyn, and Paramus High School in Paramus, N.J.

National media will focus on Constitution Sailors with appearances on "The View" and NBC's "Today Show."

"New York City Fleet Week is an impressive tradition, going back since 1984, that honors the Navy and Marine Corps," said Sonar Technician Submarine 1st Class (SS) Mark Comeiro of Constitution. "It's important for Constitution to participate this year due to the bicentennial of the War of 1812 celebration happening throughout the country. Our ship was a major naval presence then and Sailors carry on her legacy today, because in reality, the mission of today's Navy hasn't changed much from the past."

Navy ships participating in New York Fleet week are: USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). USCGC Eagle (WIX 327), along with coalition ships, and many other tall ships from around the world will also be in attendance.

Many of the ships in attendance will be open for public visitation May 23-30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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. Currently, her crew is planning to commemorate bicentennial of the War of 1812 through public demonstrations and educational activities at eight Navy weeks across the U.S. in 2012.