USS Constitution’s Community Relations Program

USS Constitution, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, in Charlestown, MA is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Manned by 70 active duty United States sailors, its mission is to protect, preserve and promote the ship, and the United States Navy. One of the primary goals of the crew is to reach out to the community. Constitution created its’ community outreach and volunteer program in 2009. In the time since then, the program has continued to grow in size and impact. The program tackles a wide array of community needs, from preparing bags of groceries for the elderly, to recording books on tape for the blind, Constitution Sailors are eager to help in any way they can.

USS Constitution’s Community Relations program is focused on a partnership with the New England Center for Homeless Veterans (NECHV) as well as involvement with numerous local and nationwide events in support of programs such as Caps for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, Somerville and Charlestown Elder Services Brown Bag program, and an ongoing partnership with the Stone and Franklin Park Zoos.

In 2012 alone, Constitution’s 68 crewmembers devoted more than 6,500 hours toward serving the community. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Constitution won Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Project Good Neighbor Flagship Award in 2012.