NSWC Crane hosts USS Constitution Commander for NAVSEA wide Women’s Equality Day Event

NSWC Crane hosts USS Constitution Commander for NAVSEA wide Women's Equality Day Event

By Emily Gray (ctr), NSWC Crane Corporate Communications

CRANE, Ind. - Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) recently hosted CDR Crystal Schaefer for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Women's Equality Day. CDR Schaefer is the 78th Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution. The ship was built between 1794-1797 at the Edmund Hartt's Shipyard in Boston, MA. The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, defending sea-lanes from 1797 to 1855.

Today, active-duty Sailors stationed aboard provide free tours and host over 600,000 visitors annually, supporting the ship's mission to promote the Navy's history, maritime heritage, and the importance of a sustained naval presence. Undefeated in battle, USS Constitution destroyed or captured 33 opponents, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off its wooden hull.

CAPT Rex Boonyobhas, the Commanding Officer (CO) of NSWC Crane, said he was honored to welcome CDR Schaefer to Indiana.

"It was an honor to host the NAVSEA Women's Equality Day here at NSWC Crane," said CAPT Boonyobhas. "Crane has a unique connection to the USS Constitution, so having CDR Schaefer speak at the event and tour our facilities was an incredible moment for our team."

Women's Equality Day is observed every year on August 26, marking the passing of the 19th Amendment, which allows women the right to vote. This day serves as a time to recognize and honor women that have paved the way for equal rights in the United States.

"Women's Equality Day is a time to reflect on all the individuals that contributed to the passing of the 19th Amendment as well as to celebrate the progress that's been made towards equality. It is inspiring to see women that have work hard to serve their country and others with their strengths and talents," said Hannah Stowers, Deputy Director of EEO, Diversity and Inclusion.

CDR Schaefer assumed command of the USS Constitution on June 21, 2024 from CDR Billie Farrell, the first woman to command the ship. Before the USS Constitution, CDR Schaefer served as a Strike Officer on USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), Reactor Propulsion Division officer on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71),

Operations Officer on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and Assistant Reactor Officer on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and a master's degree in business and administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

"It was great event and opportunity for me and my Sailors to tour NSWC Crane and see the Constitution Grove," said CDR Schaefer. "I was honored to speak at the Women's Equality Day event. It was amazing to be able to celebrate the strides that have been made towards women's equality, share my story, and recognize the efforts that must be made as we strive for a world where every woman has the opportunity to live her life to its fullest potential."

Following the event CDR Schaefer, along with a group of sailors from the USS Constitution, were able to tour the base. The group was able tour our various departments, Radiation Lab, and Constitution Grove. Since 1976, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane has supplied the ship with white oak trees for future restorations from Constitution Grove.

"It was awesome to meet Skipper Schaefer, AM3 Hoy, and AN Estes; they were tremendous to host and had so much amazing energy during our visit," said CDR Luis "Homie" Martinez, Commanding Officer of NSA Crane. "Crane is grateful they were able to come down, share their experiences with us, and see the White Oak trees in Constitution Grove, which will aid in keeping their majestic ship, the U.S.S. Constitution, sea worthy for years to come. I hope to make the trip out there at some point and see firsthand that historic and magnificent ship myself… and of course fire the cannons!"

About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.

Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at [email protected].