La Crosse native selected to serve aboard oldest commissioned warship afloat: USS Constitution

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Skyler Okerman, USS Constitution Public Affairs

BOSTON - Seaman Karsen Czarnecki, a La Crosse, Wisconsin, native, checked aboard USS Constitution, October 22.

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’m thankful for the opportunity to be here and learn about the history of the USS Constitution,” said Czarnecki.

Czarnecki has served in the Navy for three months and USS Constitution is their first command.

Czarnecki is a 2022 graduate of Black River Falls 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.