Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Los Angeles Native Earns Advanced Historian Qualification Aboard Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat: USS Constitution

By Seaman Katrina Mastrolia, USS Constitution Public Affairs

BOSTON –Los Angeles, California native, Personnel Specialist Seaman Ari Modely earned his advanced interpretive historian qualification aboard USS Constitution, Dec. 22.

Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navy’s special programs, and all prospective crew members must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.

The advanced interpretive historian qualification means that a sailor has studied and trained beyond the basic history of USS Constitution and has learned about all aspects of the ship’s unique design, ship life during the age of sail and the ship’s major historic battles.

“Being well versed in the history of the Navy makes me that much more confident for my upcoming tours,” said Modely.

Modely has served the Navy for six months and USS Constitution is his first duty station.

Modely is a 2020 graduate of Carson 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 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.