Kiepper Advances in Rank Aboard USS Constitution

BOSTON – Jesse Kiepper, a native of Cortland, Ohio, was promoted Jan. 29 to the rank of chief petty officer aboard USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. Kiepper is currently serving as a religious program specialist.

Chief petty officer is the first Navy rank that comes with vastly expanded powers and responsibilities. As such, Kiepper is responsible for training junior officers and leading his division of sailors and petty officers.

Kiepper has served in the Navy 10 years. He is a 2008 graduate of Lakeview High School.

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

The USS Constitution played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.

The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

The active-duty sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution normally provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year.

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