USS Constitution Sailors Teach Naval History in Spokane

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution taught early American naval history to students at Medical Lake Middle School in Medical Lake, Wash. May 14-15.

Lt. Albert Sharlow, Master-at-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW) Marina Chavez, Culinary Specialist 2nd (SW) Class Kevin Linney, Logistics Specialist Seaman Maurice Noland and Fireman Jessica Rodriguez gave six interactive historical presentations to more than 100 students as part of Spokane Navy Week, May 14-20.

"I love giving presentations to the kids in school," said Sharlow. "They're excited about what we do and love asking questions. We're creating a connection with them. The next great admiral may be in that classroom."

Students learned about the creation of the Navy, Constitution's construction, her famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 and the mission of today's Navy.

"I think it's wonderful for the students that the Sailors, especially when dressed in the period uniform, visit," said Sylvia Campbell, the school's principal. "Their visit not only helps to illustrate living history, but it allows the students to have a broader understanding of the U.S. Navy and its history. With the ability to see the Sailors in person, it gives the students a different avenue, giving them the opportunity to ask questions that we as teachers are not always able to answer."

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

"I hope the presentation gave them more insight and awareness of what the U.S. Navy is," said Linney. "Through educating the younger generations, especially in Spokane where there is little to no Navy presence, on the War of 1812, as well as all of our humanitarian efforts, we can achieve giving the general public a better sense of what their Navy is about."

Constitution Sailors are also scheduled to give history presentations to Mountainside Middle School, May 16, Chase Middle School, May 17 and Horizon Middle School, May 18.

Spokane Navy Week is the third of eight Navy Weeks that Constitution Sailors will participate in 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. Spokane Navy Week will present 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.