By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Alec Kramer USS Constitution Public Affairs
BOSTON – Rockwood, Tennessee, native, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Alix Powell, bids farewell to the officers and crew after completing a successful, 3-year tour aboard USS Constitution, May 19.
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 can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” said Powell. Powell has served in the Navy for 8 years and his previous duty station was USS Mahan.
Powell is a 2014 graduate of Rockwood 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.