Matawan native serves aboard oldest commissioned warship USS Constitution

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 am extremely grateful for this amazing and exciting opportunity and by becoming a crewmember of the USS Constitution I am living every sailor’s dream,” Mastrolia said.

Mastrolia has served in the Navy for two months and USS Constitution is her first duty station.

She is a 2016 graduate of Matawan Regional 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 33 opponents.

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.