Sumter native earns basic historian qualification aboard USS Constitution

BOSTON - Seaman Apprentice Kya Cumming, a native of Sumter, earned her basic interpretive historian qualification aboard USS Constitution on Nov. 19.

The basic interpretive historian qualification means a sailor has studied and trained on the history of the USS Constitution and has learned about the ship's major historic battles, its unique design and the life of a sailor during the 19th century.

Crew members who achieve the basic interpretive historian qualification are authorized to wear a unique command ball cap with the word "crewmember" embroidered on the back in place of the Navy's standard eight-point cover or hat.

"Hard work pays off," Cumming said.

Cumming, a 2020 graduate of Sumter High School, has served in the Navy for three months, and the USS Constitution is her first duty station.

Duty aboard the 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.

The active-duty sailors stationed aboard the 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.

The 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 ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship's wooden hull.

The USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.