BOSTON – Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, native, Navy Counselor 1st Class Brandi Gemberling, bid farewell to the officers and crew after completing a successful 3-year tour aboard USS Constitution, June 23.
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.
“Sailors really have a way of life,” said Gemberling. “it’s been great to learn and be a part of the history that paved the way for all of us currently serving.
Gemberling added, “One thing I want all my sailors to know is change is okay and although you have your path in mind, don’t forget that you have the ability to reroute when necessary!”
Gemberling has served in the Navy for 18 years and her previous duty stations include Naval Medical Center, San Diego; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3); USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); Electronic Attack Squadron 140 in Whidbey Island, Wash.; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 in Virginia Beach, Va.
Gemberling is a 2001 graduate of Mifflinburg Area High School.
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.
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.