BOSTON – USS Constitution hosted the Army’s 826th Military Intelligence Battalion for a day of 1812-era naval heritage training, May 1.
Soldiers teamed up with active-duty Constitution Sailors to learn the history of Old Ironsides, the process of firing a long gun and the use of pikes in formation.
“We need to be reminded that we truly fight for the Soldier or Sailor next to us more vigorously than any principles,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Harris. “These Soldiers gained in camaraderie, as well as having fun, learning and training together.”
The Soldiers received a tour from one of Constitution's advanced interpretive historians on the ship’s 223 years of history.
“The reason why we came was for our Soldiers to learn military history,” said Sgt. 1st Class Axel Arroyo. “It helps get them in the mindset of being deployed. Today, we do not think like they did in 1812. It puts us in the mindset of going forward and not forgetting our past.”
The event concluded with Harris thanking three Constitution Sailors, Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Charles Hardmon, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant Grady and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Ryan Byrne, for leading the event by awarding them the Army Achievement Medal.
“I can sense the energy that has kept Old Ironsides open for business throughout the pandemic, regardless of the challenges,” said Harris.
USS Constitution, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in
the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.
During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents.
The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2021 15:17 |
| Story ID: | 395483 |
| Location: | BOSTON, MA, US |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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