World’s Oldest Commissioned Warship USS Constitution Sails Again To Mark Battle Of Bunker Hill Anniversary

The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship still in active service, sailed through Boston Harbor on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The ceremonial voyage included a 21-gun salute near Fort Independence on Castle Island, followed by a 17-gun salute as the ship passed U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston.

The base stands on the site of Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard, where the Constitution was built and launched in 1797.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War.

The Constitution makes several turnaround cruises in Boston Harbor each summer, during which it fires ceremonial gun salutes while continuing to serve as an active commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.

Launched on October 21, 1797, the Constitution is considered by the U.S. Navy to be the oldest commissioned warship still serving anywhere in the world.

It was one of the six original warships approved by President George Washington to form the new U.S. Navy.

The ship is better known by its nickname, “Old Ironsides.” It earned the name during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off its thick wooden hull during a battle with the British warship HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812.

According to historical accounts, an American sailor shouted, “Huzza! Her sides are made of iron! See where the shot fell out!”

The Constitution later defeated and sank four British ships during the war.

Today, the ship mainly serves as a training vessel and a symbol of the U.S. Navy’s long history. However, it remains a commissioned Navy ship and is maintained so it can sail whenever needed.

During its active fighting years in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Constitution had about 450 sailors and Marines on board.

Today, it has at least three officers and 85 enlisted sailors. The ship is commanded by Commander Crystal L. Schaefer, the 78th commanding officer of the Constitution.

References: slashgear, 98online