What a wonderful photo and thanks for the info on the ship
You're welcome, snugs. When the USS Constitution was a young ship, she fought. You might enjoy this short history from the official USS Constitution website:
Launched on October 21, 1797, she first put to sea in 1798. Having remained part of the U.S. Navy since her launching day, the Constitution is today the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
President George Washington named her for the document, the Constitution, and she is the only Navy ship ever to bear that name.
USS Constitution is also the first American Navy ship to fight Arabs. In 1803-1805, President Thomas Jefferson sends her to the Mediterranean Sea as flagship of the third Mediterranean squadron. The mission is to attempt to force the Barbary pirates from their renewed policies of aggression against U.S. merchant shipping. With Commodore Edward Preble initially in command, the Constitution and other ships of the squadron mount five attacks against Tripoli.
During the War of 1812, the Constitution's historic fight with HMS Guerriere takes place some 600 miles east of Nova Scotia on the afternoon of August 19, 1812. After an hour of inconclusive maneuvering and shooting, the two settle down to a short-range slugfest. After 20 minutes the Briton's mizzenmast falls, and a short time later both her remaining masts go overboard. At some point in the battle, someone reportedly sees a British shot bounce off the Constitution's side, and shouts, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"-and so is born the nickname "OLD IRONSIDES." The Americans have 14 casualties; the British, 79. The Guerriere is so badly damaged she has to be sunk after the surviving crew are brought onboard the Constitution.
In recognition of this spectacular victory -- incredibly motivating to a nation that had seen many military defeats in the war to date -- Congress awards Capt. Isaac Hull a special gold medal, his officers medals of silver, and the crew $50,000.