BOSTON – Cmdr. Billie Farrell, the first female commanding officer of USS Constitution and native of Paducah, Kentucky, is celebrating America’s 246 years of independence aboard the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Farrell, a 2000 Saint Mary High School graduate, joined the Navy 19 years ago.
“When I was 10 I was channel surfing and saw a Naval Academy graduation,” said Farrell. “I watched the whole thing and then told my parents I was going to go there.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Paducah are important to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a small town so I learned the value of support systems and having people that push you and want you to do well,” said Farrell. “I didn’t know a lot about the Navy so I had to find people to help me navigate it.”
USS Constitution is the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, and the crew is hand-picked to promote naval history and maritime heritage while raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
The ship earned the nickname 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.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Farrell is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Constitution was built for freedom of the seas, anti-piracy and open shipping lanes,” said Farrell. “The Navy is still doing those same missions today.”
As Farrell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy has been an amazing experience where I feel like I am making a difference at the end of the day,” said Farrell.
Farrell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my family and my parents, Pam and Bill Matlock, who were nothing but supportive when I told them what I wanted to do in 6th grade” added Farrell. “I also want to thank my husband, Paul Ferell who just retired from the Navy. We did this career together and we couldn’t have done it without each’s other support every step of the way.”