Dale A. Jenkins at the Trafalgar Commemoration Dinner | Portsmouth, England
A year and a half ago I was privileged to attend the Trafalgar Commemoration dinner of the 1805 Club in Portsmouth, England, held annually on or about October 21 to celebrate Vice Admiral Nelson’s great victory in 1805. I also toured Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, which is preserved at the Portsmouth Royal Navy shipyard. During these interesting events I learned that Victory is the flagship of the First Sea Lord—the British equivalent of our Chief of Naval Operations.
Would it not be appropriate that the U.S. ship with the longest history of spectacular service in peace and war, USS Constitution, be given special recognition as the flagship of the CNO of the U.S. Navy? We need no reminder of the exploits of this magnificent ship and the crews that served aboard her.
Thousands of people visit the Charlestown, MA facility each year where Constitution is berthed, and the four-star flag would show a tangible connection to the current Navy instead of the ship as just an historic relic. For the Navy, where we all would like to embellish our traditions and increase the patriotism and loyalty of our sailors, linking our storied past with our current fleet can only be inspiring. In 2009, Constitution was appointed Ship of State, but as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Navy, would it not be truly wonderful to hold an appropriate ceremony and see the blue flag of CNO with its four stars hoisted high on a mast?
For over a hundred years Victory has been in drydock, now supported by steel beams. Constitution, by contrast, still floats in Boston harbor and gets underway each year, with the help of tugs, if only to turn its exposure. This qualifies Constitution as the oldest warship still afloat.
In this modern era of international tensions and strategic concerns, it is easy to overlook our evolution as a naval fighting force from the age of sail to nuclear powered ships. But our traditions based on true, verified historical events and heroes from John Paul Jones, to those of the current era, are still important for building morale and commitment.
If this proposal gains favorable reaction, I would be happy to contribute to its realization in any sensible way I can, but I must look to others closer to action points to mobilize support for this seemingly small, but significant addition to our Navy. Feel free to reply with your views. The Brits often have good ideas about important traditions.
~Dale A. Jenkins 🌊⚓🚢
Projection: USS Constitution flying the flag of a four-star admiral
Dale, Thanks for the excellent idea. Though I didn’t serve in the Navy, I’ve learned through NOUS to appreciate the world of sea services, particularly the early sacrifices make to enable the birth of our nation.
I’m digging away on the 1944 catastrophe at Port Chicago. My presentation will be July 27th in California.
I think you have hit upon a great idea! Let me know how I can help.
Dale, an interesting idea! And especially in that Constitution is afloat, where Victory is not. Victory only became flagship of First Sea Lord in recent years as I recall. I wouldn’t have any idea as to how to suggest Constitution being the flagship of CNO.
Good to hear from you. When you were in Portsmouth, I hope you so some of the projects in which the American Friends of the National Museum of the Royal Navy sponsored through NYC Pickle Night.
Best,
Sally