Page 7 - Women's History Month 2022 - Combined Special Edition of Aerotech News and Review Nellis AFB Creech AFB Desert Lightning News

224-year old USS Constitution to get first female CO

by PO2 Grant Grady welcomes Farrell, they will said farewell “The USS Constitution Museum is
USS Constitution to the ship’s former commanding officer, honored to welcome Cmdr. Billie J.
Cmdr. John Benda. Farrell, 77th Commanding Officer of
At a change-of-command ceremony “I know the crew is in great hands USS Constitution,” USS Constitution
Jan. 21, 2022, the USS Constitution’s with Commander Farrell,” said Benda. Museum President and CEO Anne
first female commanding officer took “This historic barrier is long overdue Grimes Rand said. “This is an exciting
charge. “Old Ironsides” current and to be broken. I cannot think of a better time in Boston with a female mayor
76th commanding officer, Cmdr. John candidate to serve as USS Constitution’s and a female captain for Old Ironsides.
Benda, will be relieved by Cmdr. Billie first female commanding officer. I look Women have been represented in
J. Farrell. forward to watching what she and the Constitution’s crew since I joined the
As the 77th commanding officer of crew accomplish in the next few years.” museum staff in 1986, and the first
USS Constitution, Farrell became the USS Constitution partners with the female officer came aboard in 1996.”
first woman to serve as captain in the USS Constitution Museum to promote The first female commissioned officer
ship’s 224-year history, dating back to maritime heritage, naval service and the to serve aboard USS Constitution was
1797. legacy of Old Ironsides. Lt. Cmdr. Claire V. Bloom, who served
“I am honored to have the privilege to as an executive officer and led the
soon command this iconic warship that historic 1997 sail, the first time Old
dates back to the roots of both our nation Ironsides sailed under her own power
and our Navy and to have been afforded since 1881. Navy photograph by PO3 Alec Kramer
the amazing opportunity to serve as USS The first female crew member was USS Constitution underway during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Week. During
Constitution’s first female commanding Rosemarie Lanam, an enlisted Sailor, the week, Constitution Sailors teach petty officers first class, selected for
officer in her 224 years,” said Farrell. who joined USS Constitution’s crew in promotion to chief petty officer, a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions
“I hope to strengthen the legacy of 1986. while living and working aboard the ship. Constitution is the world’s oldest
commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars
USS Constitution through preservation, Today women comprise more than and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During
promotion and protection by telling one third of the 80-person crew. normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard Constitution
her story and connecting it to the rich USS Constitution is the world’s oldest provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a
heritage of the United States Navy and commissioned warship afloat and played year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and
the warships serving in the fleet today.” a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval
Farrell previously served as the War of 1812, actively defending sea presence. Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33
the executive officer aboard the lanes from 1797 to 1855. opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of
1812, when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.
Ticonderoga-class guided missile The active-duty Sailors stationed
cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69). aboard USS Constitution provide free of a sustained naval presence. The ship earned the nickname of Old
She is a native of Paducah, Ky., and tours and offer public visitation, as they
a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy support the ship’s mission of promoting USS Constitution was undefeated Ironsides during the war of 1812 when
and the University of Arkansas. Navy photograph the Navy’s history and maritime heritage in battle and destroyed or captured 33 British cannonballs were seen bouncing
As USS Constitution’s crew Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell and raising awareness of the importance opponents. off the ship’s wooden hull.

I’m an AF brat and AF wife.
Enjoy LifE in BaLancE. I have been a Vegas resident for over 20 years.
Smart, cozy living begins with an inviting new I REALLY know & understand the
apartment home near centennial hills. challenges of PCSing with/without a family.

Air Force exclusive perks! I also know the concerns and challenges of a VA loan!
I have a strong & proven Real Estate record with
Nellis and Creech Air Force 5✰ reviews & would love to work with you!

personnel receive

$ 300 Off Tammy McCullough
Licensed Realtor S.179844
702-417-2813 • LVRealtorTammy.com
MilitaryReferrals.com
move-in costs! 6849 W Charleston Blvd Ste A, Las Vegas, NV

For leasing information visit

brownstonevegas.com or call (702) 425-7321

Aerotech News and Review
February 25, 2022 7
www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview