by JOC(SW/AW) Mark O. Piggott, USN
New Navy chiefs march through the city of Boston.
“OLD IRONSIDES”
The History of USS Constitution Teaches New Chiefs About Navy Traditions
Honor, Courage, Commitment… This is the code of a United States Navy Sailor. It has been a part of our heritage since the Navy was founded in 1775. Yesterday and today come alive everyday for Sailors onboard USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Recently, “Old Ironsides” played host to over 300 chief selectees from Navy ships, submarines, shore commands, aviation squadrons, and reserve units around the world. This is the seventh year that Constitution has hosted the event, giving the new chiefs vital training and lessons in naval history. “The Constitution fought in 33 engagements and never lost,” said BM2(SW) Andrew P. Dingman, one of the tour guides onboard Constitution. “Two hundred years ago, the Constitution fought against the terrorist Barbary pirates. As a symbol of our war against terrorism today, it is a reminder that we will remain undefeated as a Navy.” 10
W I N T E R 2 0 0 4 U N D E R S E A WA R F A R E
Of the 150 chief selectees from the fleet, 44 were submariners. From Kings Bay to Norfolk, from Pearl Harbor to Groton, these senior Sailors took pride in representing the “silent service” during their visit. “The submarine community is very close knit,” said EMC(SS) John P. Peckham, 39, of Submarine Squadron Support Unit (SSSU), Norfolk. “We are standing in for our fellow submariners, so we have to step up and not fall behind.” During the four-day event, the new chiefs learned about the life of a Sailor serving onboard the Constitution in the 1800s. From climbing the mast and setting the sails, to manning the guns and even sleeping onboard, these chief selectees filled the shoes of their 19th century counterparts. It was an eye-opening experience. “I have a greater appreciation for what Sailors did before all the technology came along,” said HMC(SS/SW/AW) Rodger A. Buck, 29, from USS Newport News (SSN750) in Norfolk. “I would recommend this
for all Sailors to come and see, especially future chiefs,” the Ft. Walton Beach, Florida native explained. “It’s been truly rewarding to step back in time,” said YNC(SS) Douglas C. Frisbie, 33, from Commander, Submarine Fleet Pacific. “It’s hard to believe that a ship from the very beginning of our Navy is afloat today and in service.” “On a submarine, you have a lot of computers and fancy formulas to help you destroy an enemy with a torpedo or Tomahawk,” said MMC(SS) Richard T. Abrahamsen, 36, of SSSU Norfolk. “Lining up one of these guns takes a lot of muscle and keen eyesight. It’s a lot different from what we’re use to.” “They were a different breed of Sailor,” Peckham added. “I challenge any Sailor today to do what they did. In rough seas, climbing across the yardarms, setting the sails – it’s amazing that they were able to do it,” the Weymouth, Massachusetts, native continued.
