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SCDNR Director receives rare recognition in Boston (Page 22)

Mullikin honored aboard the oldest still-serving warship in the United States Navy

By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) received a rare honor during a break in meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, last week.

While touring Boston’s historic Charlestown Navy Yard, Mullikin was piped aboard USS CONSTITUTION, the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy, where he enjoyed a personal tour of the ship and was ultimately presented a U.S. flag which was officially flown in his honor over the veteran vessel of the War of 1812. Presenting the flag to Mullikin was Constitution’s commanding officer Commander Crystal L. Schaefer, the 78th skipper of “Old Ironsides” and the second female to command the frigate in its 229-year history.

“This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life, said Mullikin, a renowned global expedition leader, former U.S. Army officer, and retired commanding general of the S.C. State Guard. “I’ve sailed aboard and toured many ships in my travels over the years, but none with a history more distinguished – and which still continues – than that of Old Ironsides.”

So nicknamed because of its physical resiliency (cannonballs bouncing off its hull) in combat against the Royal Navy’s HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812; “Old Ironsides” not only holds the distinction of being the oldest operational ship in the U.S. Navy, but it is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world.

One of the six original frigates authorized by Pres. George Washington in the Naval Act of 1794, Constitution saw quite a bit of action against the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean Sea (off the shores of Tripoli) and later in the War of 1812 where she sank or seized several enemy ships.

Over the decades since her combat deployments, Constitution has served in a variety of roles from training to ceremonial duties and public education. She continues to be crewed by active-duty U.S. Navy personnel.

Last week, Mullikin was in Boston for a series of meetings with the Massachusetts-based Yawkey Foundation regarding forthcoming events related to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States with a specific focus on South Carolina in the American Revolution.

SCDNR’s Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown, S.C., conducts pioneering waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife management activities supported by natural resources research. The Center, located on the very grounds upon which the Marquis de Lafayette and his traveling companion Johann Baron de Kalb landed in 1777 during the height of the Revolution, provides unique educational opportunities by interpreting the property’s diverse cultural and natural history.

Commander Schaefer welcomed Mullikin aboard Constitution and presented the flag to the SCDNR director, Thursday Jan. 15, 2026.

USS Constitution was officially launched on Sept. 20, 1797. Her launch ceremony was attended by U.S. President John Adams.

– For more information about the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, please visit – https://yawkeywildlifecenter.com/.

– For more information about the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, please visit –
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/.

SCDNR Director receives rare recognition in Boston

2026-01-19
By: John
On: January 19, 2026
In: Community News

Mullikin honored aboard the oldest still-serving warship in the United States Navy By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. DepartmentContinue Reading

The Boardr Skateboarding Series Returns to Irmo This Spring

2026-01-19
By: John
On: January 19, 2026
In: Events, Sports

The Boardr, one of the nation’s premier skateboarding contest series, is returning to Irmo this spring, bringing high-energy competition and community spirit to the localContinue Reading

Ask the Expert: What You Don’t Know About the Big Beautiful Bill Could Cost You

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By: John
On: January 19, 2026
In: Business

What is OBBBA? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, making tax provisions that were scheduled toContinue Reading

Hoops Action Galore in the Midlands During MLK Weekend

2026-01-15
By: John
On: January 15, 2026
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. A full slate of high school basketball featuring several ranked Midlands teams is scheduled for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Continue Reading

Buddhist Monks on Walk for Peace Visit Columbia Area

2026-01-15
By: John
On: January 15, 2026
In: Community News

Buddhist monks participating in the national Walk for Peace pilgrimage recently visited the Columbia area as part of their journey from Texas to Washington, D.C.Continue Reading

Mackey, Pugh Re-elected Chair and Vice Chair

2026-01-15
By: John
On: January 15, 2026
In: Community News, Government

At its first regularly scheduled meeting of 2026, Richland County Council re-elected Councilwoman Jesica Mackey as chair and Councilman Derrek Pugh as vice chair. Mackey,Continue Reading

Northeast teams fighting for 1st in region

2026-01-14
By: John
On: January 14, 2026
In: Sports

Photo by Westwood High School By Thomas Grant Jr. It was nearly 10 months ago when the Northeast sent three teams from two schools toContinue Reading

Eating for Healing: A Simple Monthly Reset

2026-01-14
By: John
On: January 14, 2026
In: Columns

By Jennifer Tardy You start the month feeling motivated and productive. Then, a couple of weeks in, your energy drops. You feel wired but exhausted,Continue Reading

Southern truth tellers

2026-01-14
By: John
On: January 14, 2026
In: Columns

Pictured above is the author and James Dickey, June 24, 1995. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Each January, my thoughts turn to a fellowContinue Reading

Congressman Joe Wilson Honors Miriam Atria in Congressional Record

2026-01-13
By: John
On: January 13, 2026
In: Recreation

Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina recognized Miriam Atria in the Congressional Record on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, during the 119th Congress, honoring her distinguishedContinue Reading

Violent crime percentages are trending downward, but still too high says Sheriff Lott

2026-01-13
By: John
On: January 13, 2026
In: Public Safety, Sheriff's Report

Press conference addresses the good and not-so-good in terms of criminal activity over the previous year By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff LeonContinue Reading

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