July 25, 2023
Global Naval Officers Visit “Old Ironsides” and Museum to Kick Off United States Tour
CHARLESTOWN, MA (July 25, 2023)—On Wednesday, July 26, the USS Constitution and USS Constitution Museum welcome fifty Naval officers representing over forty countries as part of a distinctive U.S. Naval War College program on their first stop to tour Boston and the United States.
The international officers are nominated to attend a year-long program at the College designed to study strategy and decision making, as well as build trust, confidence, and cooperation between American and international officers. Their experience includes a “Field Studies Program,” visiting cities nationwide to understand American government and culture.
The ship and museum are the first stop in a multi-day Boston tour, including a State House visit.
Anne Grimes Rand, President and CEO of the Museum explains, “We’re honored to host these distinguished officers from across the globe in the first stop on their United States tour. We’ll share the legacy of “Old Ironsides” and what she means to Americans over 225 years. We’ll also provide insight into the unique structure of the partnerships that make the Charlestown Navy Yard thriving. Here the government, the United States Navy, and private contributors all come together to keep the story of USS Constitution – reflecting the story of our nation – meaningful, relevant, and still an essential part of life in Boston.”
What: International Naval Officers touring USS Constitution followed by a program at the Museum.
Where: USS Constitution and USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard
When: Tour at Ship at 9:00 a.m. and program at the Museum at 10:00 a.m. The group will gather for photographs at the conclusion of their tour of USS Constitution at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Press attending, please RSVP to ssones@usscm.org.
About the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by offering award-winning exhibits where all ages can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The Museum’s mission is to engage visitors in the story of Constitution to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The Museum is open seven days a week with a pay-what-you-wish admission policy, and the Virtual Museum is open 24/7. The USS Constitution Museum is a 2022 winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in the “Best History Museum” category and Boston Parents Paper’s Family Favorites in the “Historic Sites & Tours” and “Museums & Attractions” categories. For more information, visit usscm.org.
About USS Constitution
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 provide free tours and offer public visitation as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the Ship’s wooden hull.
