By Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Jennifer Jordan, USS Constitution Public Affairs

BOSTON - Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Jacob Gehret, a native of Houston, earned his advanced interpretive historian qualification aboard USS Constitution, Mar. 18.

The advanced interpretive historian qualification means that a sailor has studied and trained beyond the basic history of USS Constitution and has learned about all aspects of the ship’s unique design, ship life during the age of sail and the ship’s major historic battles.

“I'm glad to contribute to the mission of preserving, promoting, and protecting the ship,” Gehret said.

Gehret, a 2014 graduate of Clearview High School, has served in the Navy for nine months and was selected to join the USS Constitution crew after graduating boot camp.

Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navy’s special programs, and all prospective crewmembers must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.

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.

President George Washington named the ship after the document that defines our nation.

USS Constitution represents the earliest foundations of the Navy-Marine Corps Team, and her original crew required a Marine complement of one sergeant, one corporal, and fifty privates.

USS Constitution was undefeated in all of her 33 combat engagements.

Today, the sailors stationed aboard provide free tours to more than 600,000 visitors each year, while promoting the Navy’s history and supporting public education on the importance of naval power.