EdTalk: Old Ironsides
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 12PM
Old Ironsides: America’s Ship of State
Saturday, January 24 | 12:00PM | WEATHER DEPENDENT
📍 Shipshape Showdown Theater at Nauticus | Included with General Admission
Captain Christopher Allan Melhuish, USN (Ret.), and Commander Michael Beck, USN (Ret.), former commanding officers of USS Constitution, will share the remarkable story of Old Ironsides, America’s Ship of State. Drawing on their own experience commanding the ship, they’ll explore its legacy, its role in shaping American naval history, including its 1931 visit to Norfolk, and why it remains a powerful symbol of national pride today.
This special talk is included with general admission, but reservations are required in advance. Space is limited! Please reserve a spot for the Ed Talk here and purchase your general admission here.
🎙️ About the Speakers:
Michael Beck is a retired U.S. Navy commander, educator, and school leader best known for commanding the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) and leading its historic return to sail under its own power for the first time in 116 years. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he served in leadership roles at sea and ashore, including an exchange assignment with the British Royal Navy and command of the USS Pegasus, earning top Navy honors. After retiring from the Navy, Mike spent over two decades in education, serving as Head of School at multiple independent schools. He holds advanced degrees in national security and strategic leadership and is widely recognized for his leadership, vision, and commitment to education.
Chris Melhuish is a retired U.S. Navy captain with a uniquely global background, having been born in Iraq, raised across multiple countries, and educated in the United Kingdom. He served in both the British Territorial Army and the U.S. Navy, with sea duty across a wide range of ships, including service during Desert Storm. Chris was the 65th commanding officer of the USS Constitution and later served in senior strategy and policy roles, including assignments with US Fleet Forces Command, NATO (SACLANT) and the Atlantic Council. He retired after 40 years of federal service and is currently writing a historical novel about British and American spies during the War of 1812.