Posted on 08/20/2012 3:57:02 PM PDT by mdittmar
The U.S. Navy's oldest commissioned warship sailed under its own power for just the second time in more than a century to commemorate the battle that won it the nickname 'Old Ironsides.'
The USS Constitution, which was first launched in 1797, was tugged from its berth in Boston Harbor on Sunday to the main deepwater pathway into the harbor. It then set out to open seas for a 10-minute cruise.
The short trip marked the day two centuries ago when the Constitution bested the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a fierce battle during the War of 1812. It follows a three-year restoration project and is the first time the Constitution has been to sea on its own since its 200th birthday in 1997.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
That’s all we’ll have left in our navy if Obastard gets his way.
Very cool.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Old Ironsides
I was on that ship. You have to be short to serve on it.
215 years old and still ready for duty.
A ship like this deserves a better Commander in Chief than the one we have now.
When I took a tour of that beautiful ship it was in Baltimore inner harbor. Or maybe that was a sister ship, it’s been many years.
That is one impressive ship even today.
A leaky rowboat deserves a better commander in chief than we have.
I wonder where they got the hemp for all the rigging, since we aren’t allowed to grow it any more.
That would be the Constellation. Indeed a sister ship.
Sadly, it could outlive its namesake...
Unfortunately, Daily Mail and AP pictures cannot be posted.
I visited it in 1992. 6’3 me wouldn’t be a very effective crew member.
USS Constellation - Last Civil War Era Vessel Afloat - A Baltimore ...www.baltimore.to/Constellation/index.htmlCached
The last Civil War vessel afloat, the USS Constellation, was built in 1854 and is the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy. After years of restoration, she was ...
USS Constellation - Docked in the Baltimore Inner Harborwww.southbaltimore.com/InnerHarbor/Constellation/index
Sorry didn’t know that,that’s a shame.
Now this is to funny. The first comment by the guy who posted it got yanked.
Anyway, I would like to see her at full sail someday. They have to work that wood, because it sets the joints proper and makes the ship stronger.
Magnificent ship.
For those really interested, there is a terrific book out which details the exploits of the ships of the fledgling American Navy in the War of 1812, including the U.S.S. Constitution. The American sailors went out in spite of incredible odds, just in sheer numbers alone, against the Royal Navy, and performed admirably.
A lot of detail in the book, but the author keeps you thoroughly engrossed. It’s an exciting story !!
1812 The Navy’s War
George C. Daughan
Published by Basic Books
Yes, I toured as well. Well worth the time if you’re in Boston. Hit my head on the beams several times.
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