Ludington native to serve aboard oldest commissioned warship afloat.

US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant Grady.

Ludington native to serve aboard oldest commissioned warship afloat.

By SN Katrina Mastrolia, USS Constitution Public Affairs.

BOSTON – Ludington native Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake Bentz, a culinary specialist, checked aboard USS Constitution, Sept. 11.

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

“I’m E xcited to join the greatest Navy team in the world and protect, preserve and promote the USS Constitution to the public” said Bentz.

Bentz has served the Navy for five years and his previous duty station was USS Eisenhower (CVN-69).

Bentz is a 2015 graduate of Ludington High School.

USS Constitution, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The active-duty sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution normally provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history, maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

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.