Back in 1998, high school student Billie Farrell posed for a photo beside USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, while visiting Boston from Paducah, Kentucky. Little did Farrell know that years of dedication and service would lead to commanding this historic vessel.
Farrell, now a Navy commander, assumed leadership of the Constitution on Jan. 21. A 2004 Naval Academy graduate, Farrell reflected on the serendipity of that old photo.
"[The photo was taken] the year that a woman first assumed command of a combatant ship in the Navy," Farrell said, referring to Cmdr. Maureen A. Farren. "Women have been commanding ships for a long time now. I'm just fortunate enough that I'm the person that gets to be the first woman here to command this ship."
As a surface warfare officer, Farrell has proven expertise through tours of duty on the guided-missile cruisers USS Vella Gulf, USS San Jacinto, and USS Vicksburg, serving as executive officer on the latter. While the Constitution differs technologically from modern ships, Farrell emphasized the timeless principles of readiness and discipline that underpin naval success.
"Part of the reason Constitution was so successful [was because] her captains ran gun drills that made her very efficient, and she was able to get rounds out of the barrel faster than a lot of our adversaries at the time," Farrell said. "Because of that, she was able to win. A lot of what we do in the Navy today with drilling and making sure we're proficient — it all started on the decks of Constitution."
Commissioned in 1797, the Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off its wooden hull. Though no longer a warfighting vessel, its active-duty crew provides free public tours to showcase the Navy's storied history, maritime heritage, and the importance of sustained naval strength.
Leading With Purpose
Farrell commands a crew of about 80 sailors, many fresh from boot camp and eager to prove their mettle. The team's unity of purpose shines through in their mission to maintain the ship and educate the public.
Farrell noted that commanding officers today are held to exacting standards, with the Navy relying on proven leaders to helm its ships. This role underscores the importance of competence and readiness in every assignment.
"I was always the senior at my commands. I never worked for a woman captain ... but just because I didn't see it, I knew you could do it," she said. "I think the nice piece here … is it makes everybody look a little bit wider and say that women are in command of ships and can do this."
With March marking a time to reflect on naval milestones, Farrell's appointment has drawn significant attention, including appearances on "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," and coverage in Time Magazine.
"It's definitely been a whirlwind, but it's been such a positive outpouring of support from across the country," Farrell said.
Constitution paused public access twice during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed tours in spring 2021, adding virtual options to broaden its reach.
"The nice thing with all the media attention is it's reminded people that the ship is here and open," Farrell said. "We're doing the tours and highlighting those active-duty sailors serving onboard."
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
A typical tour of duty on Constitution blends tradition with modern readiness. Sailors engage in sail training — climbing masts and unfurling sails for cruises into Boston Harbor — while also honing skills for today's Navy.
"I ask my sailors to be an 1812 sailor some days, but I also have to make sure they're a 2022 sailor and ready to go do the mission the Navy asked of them," Farrell said.
Working with the USS Constitution Museum and the Naval History and Heritage Command, the crew develops training materials to master the ship's history and share it with visitors.
"They actually have to pass the board through the different ranks here, but we don't dictate how they give their tours," Farrell said. "Whatever piece of Constitution history they find interesting, we let them take that and run with … the story that they feel passionate about."
This approach ensures varied, engaging tours for repeat visitors.
"The fun part of the job is going to talk to people," Farrell said, "and my sailors do a phenomenal job at giving the tours."
Celebrating 225 Years
In 2022, the crew will mark Constitution's 225th anniversary with events highlighting its legacy and achievements. Seven public cruises are planned for the summer, including one on July 4th and another honoring Vietnam veterans.
"We go about six miles in Boston Harbor. There's a fort there. We exchange a 21-gun salute. Sometimes we get a flyover if we're fortunate enough," Farrell said. "The sailors climb and talk to guests and just enjoy being underway on the ship."
Farrell's tenure as commander has just begun, built on a foundation of mentorship and merit.
"I was blessed with great mentors. Having positive people that want you to do well and push you and help you find opportunities is extra important," Farrell said, offering advice to rising sailors: "Look for those people and surround yourself with those people."
The Constitution is maintained by its crew and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Naval Support Activity Crane near Bloomington, Indiana, preserves a grove of white oak trees for potential repairs, ensuring the ship's readiness for years to come.