USS Constitution Sailors Give Naval History Lessons during Tampa Bay Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Frank E. Neely, USS Constitution Public Affairs

PLANT CITY, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors taught more than 100 students about their ship's history at Turkey Creek Middle School in Plant City, Fla. Jan. 25.

Lt. Albert Sharlow, Yeoman 2nd Class (SCW) Daniel Damato, Quartermaster 3rd Class Jared Hutchins, Gunner's Mate Seaman Kali Morris and Seaman Dionna Stephens gave their presentation as part of Tampa Bay Navy Week, Jan. 22-29.

"Our aim is to expand on the children's history education," said Sharlow, a Pensacola, Fla. native. "I believe we achieved that effort today, and the children gained an appreciation for their nation's Navy."

Sailors talked about Constitution's construction, the ship's famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, as well as modern history. Finally, they answered general Navy questions from the students.

"To hear the history of the ship presented by active-duty Sailors still working on this piece of living history was a unique experience for our eighth graders currently studying American History," said Krista Kalson, eighth-grade American history teacher. "The presentation was dynamic and engaging; a field trip that came to us."

Sailors assigned to Constitution undergo 20 weeks of naval history training, along with additional weekly training. They will provide another history presentation at Village Middle Magnet School in Tampa Bay, Fla., Jan. 27.

"You see all the hard work pay off when you see the reaction of the kids," said Hutchins. "You know you've done a good job, and that's something to make me proud, not just as a Sailor serving in the Navy, but specifically serving on the Constitution. I wouldn't have this knowledge without it."

Tampa Bay is the first of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, and is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat welcoming more than 500,000 visitors annually. 



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