Billie Farrell Becomes First Woman Commander Of USS Constitution

[MissMillie]

Source: CBS Boston (WBZ)

CHARLESTOWN (CBS) – For the first time in its 224-year history, the USS Constitution has a woman as commander.

Commander Billie Farrell became the first woman to serve as captain of Old Ironsides Friday after a change-of-command ceremony at noon.

Commander Farrell once posed in front of Old Ironsides in 1998 as a high school student and as she poses for photos now, she let’s out a laugh as she takes it all in.

“Standing next to the ship 24 years ago, there’s no way I would’ve predicted I would be standing here one day as the Captain. It’s unbelievable,” said Commander Farrell.


***********************************************





Read more: https://boston.cbslocal.com/2022/01/21/billie-farrell-first-woman-commander-uss-constitution/

---

This ship leaves dock only once a year--to turn around. But it is a museum. I imagine that there is stiff competition for assignments to this ship.

[LT Barclay]

1. It has been under sail a few times recently, cautiously of course. I bought a video, but it was a

bit disappointing. They could have continued to show the ship and put a picture in a picture for the interviews. Instead, I had to look at the people talking for long stretches between glimpses of the ship under sail. Someday they need to get the USS Constitution under sail with the USCGC Eagle for the ultimate photo op!!

I do like the uniform though. I was told that the uniforms in the USCG look the way they do because they are "traditional". Well traditional to someone whose memory only goes back to the '50's. So, I've always thought that the uniforms should follow where Star Trek led or go TRADITIONAL like the uniforms in the photo.

Anyway, congratulations to her. I'm sure it was well earned.

[kiri]

2. Pray for us in propinquity

We dwell within cannon distance of Boston Harbor. We now quaver in fear of her first emotional pique.

The epaulets are pretty in any case.

[KS Toronado]

4. Don't worry, TFG is no longer Commander in Chief

Plus Joe would never fire cannons at Americans. Do they even allow gunpowder on the ship?
If they do start shooting....

[LetMyPeopleVote]

3. This makes me smile

Link to tweet

[Anti-Racist Hero]

5. Not really thrilled with the Constitution, frankly

I look forward to the day that we create a Constitution that doesn't genuflect to the white supremacists, particularly the "states rights" claptrap and the electoral college trainwreck, and incorporate more of the 1619 Project historical perspective in creating new progressive, global laws with regard to climate change, racial justice, and the elimination of economic disparities.

[LT Barclay]

6. If we had rational leaders that actually lead with a vision and a sane populace who could think of

anything beyond themselves a full rewrite would be in order, but alas we have neither and at this point it is likely to be our ultimate doom.

[Calista241]

7. Most of the time, it uses its onboard motor, rather than the sails

To perform such maneuvers.

One commander a few years ago was determined to set sail with wind power only, i believe for fleet week, and it took over a year for sailors to relearn those skills. Skills that were common a couple hundred years ago were total unknowns in this age.