More than 150 middle school students were treated to a piece of Naval history as part of New England Navy Week.

Sailors serving aboard the USS Constitution visited Agawam Junior High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday, September 26. They shared facts about the USS Constitution, details about the ships famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, as well as information about the ship in modern times. After the presentation, students were able to raise questions about the Navy.

The following Sailors spent time with the students of Agawam Junior High: Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW) Anthony Costa, Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jered Sasen, Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) John Campbell, Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Michael Fleck, Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Bryan Pickett, Operations Specialist Seaman Ashley West, Fireman Jessica Rodriguez and Seaman Jared Kercell.

SW Costa shared: “The students first came in the classroom wide-eyed, excited and unaware of the Navy… After the presentation they gained new insight to the Navy’s mission in a fun, interactive lecture.”

Karen Shugrue, librarian and media director of Agawam Junior High School, said: “The exposure of local history to our students is important and they were interested… The presentation was contagious, as the kids are now looking forward to visiting USS Constitution.”

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The Sailors who visited Agawam Junior High are also scheduled to share the ship’s history with Granite Valley Middle School in Monson, Massachusetts, on September 27, and Converse Middle School on September 29-30.