BOSTON – Altmar, New York, native, Command Master Chief Angie Collins bid farewell to the officers and crew after completing a successful, one-year tour aboard USS Constitution, October 29.
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.
“I am very honored to have gotten to serve with such an amazing group of people,” said Collins. “I am proud to have the chance to do something many others have not gotten to do. I am proud of every sailor here.”
Collins has served in the Navy for 19 years, and her previous assignment was at Navy Information Operations Command Colorado.
Collins is a 2002 graduate of Williams Town 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.