By SN Mastrolia, USS Constitution Public Affairs
BOSTON – Jackson, New Jersey native, Logistics Specialist 1st Class David Kerley, bid farewell to the officers and crew after completing a successful, 2-year tour aboard USS Constitution, Dec. 3.
“Ready for the next challenge,” said Kerley.
Kerley has served in the Navy for 14 years, and his previous duty stations were the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), Naval Supply Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Kerley is a 2003 graduate from Jackson Memorial High School.
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.
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 normally 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 was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.
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.