Master Chief Petty Officer Constantine enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on February 28, 1957 at Long Beach, CA and attended basic training at Alameda, CA as a Seaman Recruit. Upon completion of basic training he was sent to Radioman School. Upon graduation from Radioman school he spent the next three years serving on the High Endurance Cutter MINNETONKA and the Seagoing Buoy Tender HEATHER.
Upon transfer he spent the next five and a half years at Coast Guard Radio Stations Miami, FL and Honolulu, HI. After leaving Honolulu, he was transferred to the Sea-going Tug TAMAROA, homeported at Staten Island, NY, where he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1966. From 1968 to 1970, he served at the Coast Guard Communications Center at Governors Island, NY. In 1970, he was assigned to serve on the High Endurance Cutter GALLATIN.
In October of 1972 he was assigned to Coast Guard Radio Station Washington, D.C. where he obtained the rank of RMCS. In September 1974 he began a seven year tour in Alaska where he served as the Radioman-In-Charge of the Communication Center at the Seventeenth District Office, Juneau. While in Juneau he was also selected as the Command Enlisted Advisor for the 17th Coast Guard District.
On August 1, 1981, Admiral J. B. Hayes, Commandant, USCG, appointed RMCM Carl W. Constantine as the fourth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
Master Chief Petty Officer Constantine has been awarded: CG Commendation Medal (twice), CG Achievement Medal, CG Meritorious Unit Commendation (twice), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, CG Letter of Commendation Ribbon, CG Good Conduct Medal (with silver star), Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol and Rifle), National Defense Service Medal and the CG Cutterman' Insignia.
Master Chief Petty Officer Constantine has attended numerous management classes including SPOLAM school. He co-developed and instructed a Seventeenth Coast Guard District Junior Petty Officer Leadership school, and also attended the University of Alaska.