Springfield Native Completes Successful Assignment Aboard Oldest Commissioned Warship Afloat: USS Constitution

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Samoluk, USS Constitution Public Affairs

BOSTON - U.S. Navy Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Amanda Stanaway, a native of Springfield, Ohio, bid farewell to the officers and crew after completing a successful, three year tour aboard USS Constitution, Dec. 28. 

“It's been a fun and different experience but on to the next,” said Stanaway.

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 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.

 

Stanaway, a 2012 graduate of Urbana High School, has served in the Navy for eight years and her previous duty station was USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

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 ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.