By Mass Communication Specialist Grant Grady
Command Master Chief Angie Collins and Master Chief Electricians Mate (Nuclear) Michael Quackenbush, siblings from Altmar, N.Y., were promoted to the rank of master chief petty officer during a ceremony aboard USS Constitution, Sept. 20.
The promotions served as a special moment for brother and sister as they achieved the career milestone of master chief petty officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted rank.
“It’s a feeling that is completely indescribable,”said Collins, command master chief aboard USS Constitution. “I am so proud of him and our careers. I never thought in a million years that we would be doing this together aboard USS Constitution.”
The journey began nearly 20 years ago as Quackenbush enlisted in the Navy in 2001 followed by his sister a year later in 2002.
“It is an amazing experience,” said Quackenbush. “I can’t be more proud to be here with her aboard this awesome ship. Not many people get to do this.”
Collins has served in the Navy for 19 years, and her previous assignment was at Navy Information Operations Command Colorado.
Collins is a 2002 graduate of Williams Town High School.
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.
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.