BOSTON -- South Lake Tahoe, Calif. native, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Samoluk, was meritoriously advanced to the rank of second class petty officer aboard USS Constitution, March 12.
The Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) allows U.S. Navy commands to promote their highest performing Sailors immediately in recognition of their superior performance.
“This was such a surprise and I am enthused that all my hard work has been noticed and is paying off.” said Samoluk.
Samoluk is a 2011 graduate of South Lake Tahoe High School.
He has served in the Navy for five years, and his previous command was the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).
Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navy’s special programs, and all prospective crewmembers must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.
The active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history, maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
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.
USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured 33 opponents.
The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.