BOSTON — Editor's note: the above video originally aired July 4, 2018.
A woman is taking over as the U.S.S. Constitution’s commanding officer for the first time in the legendary warship’s 224-year history.
The Navy announced Tuesday that Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell is scheduled to assume command of the ship, often called Old Ironsides, at an on-board ceremony on January 21.
Farrell is a native of Paducah, Kentucky, and a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.
The Constitution is based at Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship that is still afloat.
Farrell will relieve Cmdr. John Benda. He has led the ship’s crew since February 2020.