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Dedham native gets ‘dream’ command aboard USS Constitution

BOSTON — There is a new commander of the USS Constitution and the U.S. Navy didn't have to go very far to find him.

Dedham native John Benda says the job is a dream come true.

“I’m the luckiest person in the United States Navy,” he said aboard his berth.

Benda became just the 76th commander in the 222-year history of Old Ironsides -- as the Consitution is known -- during a change in command ceremony over the weekend

“Dream is a good word for it,” he said. “Constitution is one of those commands you really never think you’re gonna get you have to be connected or as I say, only the Senators sons get these jobs.”

The 40-year-old Benda got this coveted job after serving 19 years in the Navy, which included five deployments around the world.

He served the last two years as second in command of the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat before getting promoted.

“The biggest responsibility to me is representing the Navy well -- all the 85 sailors we have,” he said. “Most of the 600,000 visitors -- we’ll be the only active-duty sailors and officers they ever meet.”

Benda says his appointment is especially meaningful since he grew up in Dedham and graduated from Dedham High School in 1997.

“My parents are still in Dedham, my brother and sister, lots of my family still from there -- the greater Boston area,” he said. “Lots of them [were] here on board on Saturday, the day of the change in command ceremony, to celebrate with me, which was really important for our family.”

The USS Constitution Captain is now the face of the US Navy in Boston.

It’s a big honor he richly cherishes.

Commander Benda’s appointment is for two years. The ship is open for tours, which are free.

The constitution is expected to set sail in Boston Harbor seven times this year.

[USS Constitution celebrating its 221st birthday]