Wichita Habitat for Humanity is honored that crew members from the USS Constitution and the Ceremonial Guard Drill Team will volunteer with us on Saturday, Sept. 14. This special day is part of the first-ever Navy Week in Wichita.
Navy Week is the Navy’s principal outreach effort into areas without a significant Navy presence. From Sept. 9-15, there will be a multitude of activities that you can learn about here. It is being held here because all cities make a contribution to our national defense – including Wichita, said Rear Admiral Jeffrey Penfield, U.S. Navy (Retired).
Penfield, who is from Wichita, was in town recently to talk about the week, the USS Wichita, and to encourage everyone to check out what’s going on. “Attend an event,” he said, “Consider joining the Navy. … The Navy is a profession. The country needs you.”
Sailors from the USS Wichita – named after our city – also will be here this week. Learn more about the USS Wichita here.
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. It was launched on October 21, 1797. You probably remember learning about it in your history class – it’s known as “Old Ironsides.” It’s greatest glory came during the War of 1812 when the crew defeated four British frigates during three separate engagements. That’s when she earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” because the cannon fire from enemy ships seemed as if they couldn’t penetrate her strong oak hull.
The USS Constitution is operated as an historic site and is located in Boston. Naval officers and crew still serve aboard her.
The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team was established in 1931 and is the official ceremonial unit of the Navy. The team represents the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. They are involved in many prestigious ceremonies, including the President’s inauguration.
Learn more about the team here.
We are thankful that we can be part of Navy Week and appreciate the team who will volunteer with us on Saturday at a home at 1311 N. Volutsia.
