USS Constitution Gets First Female Commander

BOSTON — The USS Constitution has a female commander for the first time in its 224-year-old history.

Commander Billie Farrell became the first woman in charge of Old Ironsides Friday during a change-in-command ceremony near Boston Harbor.

Farrell is now the 77th commanding officer of the warship, after serving as the executive officer aboard the USS Vicksburg.

Farrell is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Arkansas and U.S. Naval Academy, and will be replacing Commander John Benda, who has been in charge since Feb. 2020.

"I know the crew is in great hands with Commander Farrell," Benda, said in a press release. "This historic barrier is long overdue to be broken. I cannot think of a better candidate to serve as USS Constitution's first female commanding officer."

"I am honored to have the privilege to soon command this iconic warship that dates back to the roots of both our nation and our Navy and to have been afforded the amazing opportunity to serve as USS Constitution's first female commanding officer in her 224 years," Farrell said.