Its been a long time since a sitting President has boarded USS Constitution, the world's oldest afloat commissioned warship. Although temporarily in drydock, 218-year-old USS Constitution continues as a living symbol of America's military service and heritage. As she is prepared for her many future years of service an official visit by the Commander-in-Chief will remind the nation of the courage, valor, and heritage of service of our nation's men and women in uniform.
It will be more than fitting, that her officers and crew, representing past, present and future members of our Armed Forces, are granted the opportunity to pipe aboard the President, to inspect and honor the work of those who not only preserve her, but who do so as a promise to the future.