Docked! USS Constitution Shifts Colors for Multi-Year Restoration

BOSTON (NNS) -- The world's oldest commissioned warship afloat is no longer afloat after entering dry dock May 19 for a planned multi-year restoration.

USS Constitution, eased into historic Dry Dock 1 at Charlestown Navy Yard Boston National Historical Park with the help and coordination of a large team of stakeholders including the ship's crew, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Naval History and Heritage Command's Maintenance Detachment Boston, USS Constitution Museum, and the National Park Service.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather or better support from the dedicated team of professionals who helped with the docking," said Cmdr. Sean Kearns, USS Constitution's 73rd commanding officer. "We're now positioned to carry out the restoration work which will return Constitution to the water preserving her for the next generation of Americans to enjoy and learn about our nation's great naval heritage."

Since entering service in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 21, 1797, Constitution, undefeated in combat, remains a commissioned U.S. Navy warship. However, since 1907, the ship has been on display opening her decks to the public. According to Naval History and Heritage Command Director Sam Cox, that mission is an important one. 

"Her mission today is to preserve and promote U.S. Navy heritage by sharing the history of 'Old Ironsides' and the stories of the men and women who have faithfully served with distinction on the warship's decks for 217 years. When a visitor sets foot on the deck of USS Constitution, he or she is making contact with the beginnings of the U.S. Navy, a navy that has kept the sea lanes free for more than 200 years. Keeping her ready to do so is incredibly important," said Cox.

"Constitution was the product of unique American ingenuity," Cox continued. "At a time when the U.S. Navy was outnumbered by the great European navies, Constitution was designed to outgun anything she couldn't outrun, and outrun anything she couldn't out-gun. Coupled with great captains and well-trained and disciplined Sailors, that is why she was undefeated."

According to Vice Admiral William Hilarides, the commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which oversees the development, delivery and maintenance of the Navy's ships, the 217-year-old Constitution is a stark reminder of the importance of sound ship design, construction and maintenance.

"The Navy's strength comes from its Sailors who must be equipped with ships and tools that make it possible for them to successfully sail into harm's way, and then return safely home to their families," said Hilarides. "When you look at what was cutting edge Naval technology in the late 18th century, you can see Constitution's crews were equipped with the best tools in the world which enabled them to achieve such a remarkable record of success in combat. It's a tradition of design, construction and maintenance excellence that continues in America's shipyards today."

Still, Hilarides said, like any of the Navy's other nearly 300 commissioned warships, Constitution must be maintained to carry out its vital mission. 

This restoration will last more than two years and marks the first time Constitution will have been dry docked since 1992. The work of this restoration will include:
* replacing lower hull planking and caulking, 
* removing the 1995 copper sheathing and replacing it with 3,400 sheets of new copper that will protect the ship's hull below the waterline,
* replacement of select deck beams,
* on-going preservation and repair of the ship's rigging, upper masts, and yards.

The estimated cost of the restoration is expected to be $12 million to $15 million and is part of the ongoing care and maintenance the ship receives. It will be a complex work package and among those completing it, is a cadre of craftsmen from the Naval History and Heritage Command's Maintenance Detachment Boston who have the delicate job of melding new tools and technology into an endeavor that often requires extensive, knowledge of 18th century shipbuilding techniques.

"We do work with modern tools but we still use some of the old methods; the hull planks are still pinned through the deck but we use hydraulics and pneumatics to pull them out," said Det. Boston's director, Richard Moore, who says the restoration will require specialized talents. "Back in the day if someone went down, they had someone to replace them. It's not so easy nowadays to replace a person with someone who is up to speed and knows what they're doing."

Still he believes his team is up to the challenge and he knows they're excited to be a part of the historic restoration. 

"They realize the undertaking they're on. I emphasize it all the time, that this is, in my words, 'a big deal.' They all know how important it is, they're all proud to work on this vessel, they take such great care and their workmanship is great. I'm very proud to work here and so are they."

Beginning June 9, Constitution will reopen to the public and remain open throughout the restoration with tours scheduled:
* Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
* Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).
Visitors will see something remarkable - an active shipyard with craftspeople including, blacksmiths, wood workers and others, working to make sure USS Constitution remains ship shape for future generations.

www.shootmainestudios.com

USS Constitution to Get Underway for Final Time Until 2018

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution will get underway in Boston Harbor on Friday, Oct. 17, in commemoration of the U.S. Navy's 239th birthday and the ship's upcoming 217th birthday.

More than 500 guests, made up of individuals and organizations with long-standing ties of support to both the ship and the Navy, will accompany Old Ironsides on her fifth and final underway demonstration of 2014. This will also be the historic warship's final Boston Harbor underway until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in March 2015 for a three-year planned restoration period.

The ship is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m. EST. There will be a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston at approximately 11 a.m. Constitution Sailors will also conduct an additional 17-gun salute near U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston prior to the ship's 1 p.m. return to her berth at Charlestown Navy Yard.

Due to the post-underway commencement of large-scale dry dock preparations, including de-rigging and removal of the ship's upper masts and offloading the ship's long guns, Constitution will be open for public tours from Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting the week of Oct. 20.

*Below is a summary of the restoration work planned for USS Constitution from 2015-2018:

Fall 2014/Spring 2015 - CONSTITUTION ENTERS DRY DOCK
* Remove CONSTITUTION's upper mast sections, yards and bowsprit
* Remove all guns, ballast & rudder
* CONSTITUTION enters dry dock 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard
* Install staging, then remove copper from hull below the waterline

2015 - 2017 - ONGOING INSPECTION AND REPAIRS 
* Inspect hull and replace hull planks as needed
* Inspect rigging and replace as needed
* Inspect and preserve fighting tops for all three masts

2016-2017 - ONGOING PRESERVATION PROJECTS
* Preserve all masts and yards
* Preserve ship's wheel & headboards 
* Preserve gun carriages
* Preserve ship's boats

2016 - FOCUS ON BOW (front of Ship)
* Replace planking in bow
* Inspect and repair trail-boards at bow

2017 - FOCUS ON STERN (back of Ship)
* Remove, inspect, replace and repair ship's stern ornamentation
* Repairs to Captain's Cabin

2017 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO THE WATER
* Replace planking on gun deck and berth deck (lower decks)
* Install rudder
* Re-copper ship's hull beneath the waterline
* Reef out and re-caulk spar deck (top deck)
* Refloat ship 
* Re-rig ship once afloat and return guns and furniture

Spring/Summer 2018 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO PIER 1, CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD

*Note: All dates subject to change as the actual conditions of USS Constitution are inspected and discovered.

USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to 1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval seapower to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

For more news and information on USS Constitution, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution, www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial and www.navy.mil/local/constitution/.

"Let your dreams take flight."

USS Constitution gets underway in Boston

BOSTON (June 6, 2014) USS Constitution gets underway in Boston Harbor for her first cruise of 2014. More than 400 visitors embarked Old Ironsides for the underway demonstration, which commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway and the 70th anniversary of D-Day. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Benson/Released)

USS Constitution

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (Jan. 2, 2014) Sailors assigned to USS Constitution walk near the ship's berth in Charlestown Navy Yard during Winter Storm Hercules. More than 12 inches of snow is forecast for the greater Boston area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Melkus/Released)

BEST OF 2013: USS Constitution Fires A 17-gun Salute

BOSTON (June 4, 2013) USS Constitution fires a 17-gun salute during the ship's first turnaround cruise of 2013. The underway commemorated the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway and recognized first responders of the Boston Marathon bombings. More than 300 first responders representing the Boston and state police, medical personnel and the Boston Fire Department were invited to participate in the underway commemoration. (U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Thomas Rooney/Released)

BEST OF 2913: USS Constitution In The Snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

20 Jun 1815: Navy's first steam-driven warship undergoes trials

1815 - Trials of Fulton I, built by Robert Fulton, are completed in New York. This ship would become the Navy's first steam-driven warship.

21 Jun 1942: Last aviators recovered from Battle of Midway

On 21 June 1942, PBY aircraft from (VP 24) recovered a two-man crew from USS Enterprise (CV 6) TBD (VT 6), 360 miles north of Midway. Their plane had to land in the water on 4 June. The aviators were the last survivors of the Battle of Midway to be recovered. 

22 Jun 1898: Spanish cruiser Isabel II fired on USS Saint Paul

On 22 June 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the Spanish cruiser Isabel II opened fire on USS Saint Paul. The Spanish destroyer Terror joined Isabel II in attempt to torpedo USS Saint Paul. In return, USS Saint Paul fired at Terror, damaging her. Terror then gave up the attack and returned to port, followed by Isabel II.

23 Jun 1933: Rigid airship USS Macon (ZRS-5) was commissioned

On 23 June 1933, USS Macon (ZRS-5) was commissioned. Following her commissioning, she participated in exercises off the Pacific and southern coasts, testing her abilities for fleet scouting and missions involving her F9C “Sparrowhawk” aircraft. Unfortunately, on 12 February 1935, Macon crashed during a storm off Point Sur, California, which effectively ended the Navy's program of rigid airship operations.

24 Jun 1833: Poem saves USS Constitution from scrap heap

On 24 June 1833, the frigate Constitution entered the drydock at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, for overhaul. The ship was saved from scrapping after public support rallied to save the ship following publication of Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, "Old Ironsides."

25 Jun 1950: North Korea invades South Korea

On 25 June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, beginning the Korean War. Two days later, President Harry S. Truman supported the United Nation’s call and authorized US naval and air operations south of the 38th Parallel, Korea. Following the landings at Inchon and Wonson, the enemy was pushed to the 38th Parallel. After two-year peace negotiations, an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 at Panmunjon, establishing the north and south border at the 38th Parallel, where the tense cease-fire continues to this day.

Aye tear her tattered ensign down

long has it waved on high,

And many an eye has danced to see

That banner in the sky;

Beneath it rung the battle shout,

And burst the cannon's roar;--

The meteor of the ocean air

Shall sweep the clouds no more.

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood,

Where knelt the vanquished foe,

When winds were hurrying o'er the flood,

And waves were white below,

No more shall feel the victor's tread,

Or know the conquered knee;--

The harpies of the shore shall pluck

The eagle of the sea!

Oh, better that her shattered hulk

Should sink beneath the wave;

Her thunders shook the mighty deep,

And there should be her grave;

Nail to the mast her holy flag,

Set every threadbare sail,

And give her to the god of storms,

The lightning and the gale!'

26 Jun 1945: USS Parche attacks Japanese convoy and sinks ship

On 26 June 1945, USS Parche (SS 384) attacked a Japanese convoy and sank gunboat Kamitsu Maru and freighter Eikan Maru seven miles of Todo Saki, southern Honsju, 39º 25’N, 142º 04’E. Though damaged by subsequent depth charges, Parche remained on patrol. The name Parche comes from a French butterfly fish, Chaetodon Capistratus, which is known for its remarkable navigation abilities.

USS Constitution Fires A 17-gun Salute

BOSTON (June 4, 2013) USS Constitution fires a 17-gun salute during the ship's first turnaround cruise of 2013. The underway commemorated the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway and recognized first responders of the Boston Marathon bombings. More than 300 first responders representing the Boston and state police, medical personnel and the Boston Fire Department were invited to participate in the underway commemoration. (U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Thomas Rooney/Released)

USS Constitution In The Snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

USS Constitution in the snow.

The Best of 2012: USS Constitution 200 Years Ago This Weekend

By Doug Mills
On June 18,1812 war was declared on Great Britain. The USS Constitution had just sailed from Virginia.  After resupplying in Maryland Captain Isaac Hull  set sail for New York City, not knowing that the British had a squadron of war ships waiting there.  Upon spotting the sail Captain Hull believed them to be the US squadron from New York.  Once he realized they were the British and he was seriously out gunned he came about in an effort to escape the British trap and save his ship.  You can read the full story of that encounter at: http://rockycoastnews.blogspot.com/2012/06/old-ironsides-battle-record-escape-from.html .  The lead ship in the British squadron was the HMS Guerriere. Captain Hull managed to escape after four tense days of being chased by HMS Guerriere and the British squadron.

Nearly a month later the USS Constitution was to run across the HMS Guerriere again, only this time she was alone.  Here is the exciting story in Captain Isaac Hulls own words as it was relayed to the Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton from the archives of the US Navy.

Captain Isaac Hull to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton

U S Frigate Constitution
off Boston Light August 28th 1812
Sir,
    I have the Honour to inform you that on the 19th inst. at 2 PM being in Lattitude 41° 42° Longitude 55° 48° with the wind from the Northward, and theConstitution under my command Steering to the S.SW. a sail was discovered from the Mast head bearing E by S. or E.SE. but at such a distance that we could not make Out what she was. All sail was immediately made in chace, and we soon found we came fast up with the chace, so that at 3 PM. we could make her Out to be a Ship on the Starboard tack close by the wind under easy sail. At 1/2 past 3 PM. closing very fast with the chace could see that she was a large Frigate, At 3/4 past 3 the chace backed her Maintopsail, and lay by on the Starboard tack; I immediately ordered the light sails taken in, and the Royal Yards sent down, took two reefs in the topsails, hauled up the foresail, and mainsail and see all clear for action, after all was clear the Ship was ordered to be kept away for the Enemy, on hearing of which the Gallant crew gave three cheers, and requested to be laid close alongside the chace. As we bore up she hoisted an English Ensign at the Mizen Gaff, another in the Mizen Shrouds, and a Jack at the Fore, and MizentopGallant mast heads. At 5 minutes past 5 PM. as we were running down on her weather quarter She fired a Broadside, but without effect the Shot all falling short, she then wore and gave us a broadside from Larboard Guns, two of which Shot Struck us but without doing any injury. At this time finding we were within gunshot, I ordered the Ensign hoisted at the Mizen Peak, and a Jack at the Fore and MizentopGallant mast head, and a Jack bent ready for hoisting at the Main, the Enemy continued wearing, and manoeuvering for about 3/4 of an hour, to get the wind of us. At length finding that she could not, she bore up to bring the wind, on the quarter, and run under her Topsails, and Gib, finding that we came up very slow, and were receiving her shot without being able to return them with effect, I ordered the MaintopGallant sail set, to run up alongside of her.

    At 5 minutes past 6 PM being alongside, and within less than Pistol Shot, we commenced a very heavy fire from all of our Guns, loaded with round, and grape, which done great Execution, so much so that in less than fifteen minutes from the time, we got alongside, his Mizen Mast went by the board, and his Main Yard in the Slings, and the Hull, and Sails very much injured, which made it very difficult for them to manage her. At this time the Constitution had received but little damage, and having more sail set than the Enemy she shot ahead, on seeing this I determined to put the Helm to Port, and oblige him to do the same, or suffer himself to be raked, by our getting across his Bows, on our Helm being put to Port the Ship came too, and gave us an opportunity of pouring in upon his Larboard Bow several Broadsides, which made great havock amongst his men on the forecastle and did great injury to his forerigging, and sails, The Enemy put his helm to Port, at the time we did, but his MizenMast being over the quarter, prevented her coming too, which brought us across his Bows, with his Bowsprit over our Stern. At this moment I determined to board him, but the instant the Boarders were called, for that purpose, his Foremast, and Mainmast went by the board, and took with them the Gib-boom, and every other Spar except the Bowsprit. On seeing the Enemy totally disabled, and the Constitution received but little injury I ordered the Sails filled, to hawl off, and repair our damages and return again to renew the action, not knowing whither the Enemy had struck, or not, we stood off for about half an hour, to repair our Braces, and such other rigging, as had been shot away, and wore around to return to the Enemy, it being now dark, we could not see whether she had any colours, flying or not, but could discover that she had raised a small flag Staff or Jurymast forward. I ordered a Boat hoisted out, and sent Lieutenant Reed on board as a flag to see whether she had surrendered or not, and if she had to see what assistance she wanted, as I believed she was sinking. Lieutenant Reed returned in about twenty minutes, and brought with him, James Richard Dacres Esqr. Commander of his Britannic Majesty's Frigate the Guerriere, which ship had surrendered, to the United States Frigate Constitution, our Boats were immediately hoisted out and sent for the Prisoners, and were kept at work bringing them and their Baggage on board, all night. At daylight we found the Enemy's Ship a perfect Wreck, having many Shot holes between wind, and water, and above Six feet of the Plank below the Bends taken out by our round Shot, and her upperwork[s so] shattered to pieces, that I determined to take out the sick and wounded as fast as possible, and set her on fire, as it would be impossible to get her into Port.

    At 3 PM. all the Prisoners being out, Mr Reed was ordered to set fire to her in the Store Rooms, which he did and in a very short time she blew up. I want words to convey to you the Bravery, and Gallant conduct, of the Officers, and the crew under my command during the action. I can therefore only assure you, that so well directed was the fire of the Constitution, and so closely kept up, that in less than thirty minutes, from the time we got alongside of the Enemy (One of their finest Frigates) She was left without a Spar Standing, and the Hull cut to pieces, in such a manner as to make it difficult to keep her above water, and the Constitution in a State to be brought into action in two hours. Actions like these speak for themselves which makes it unnecessary for me to say any thing to Establish the Bravery and Gallant conduct of those that were engaged in it, Yet I cannot but make you acquainted with the very great assistance I received from that valuable officer Lieutenant Morris in bringing the Ship into action, and in working her whilst alongside the Enemy, and I am extremely sorry to state that he is badly wounded, being shot through the Body. we have yet hopes of his recovery, when I am sure, he will receive the thanks, and gratitude of his Country, for this and the many Gallant acts he has done in its Service. Were I to name any particular Officer as having been more useful than the rest, I should do them great Injustice, they all fought bravely, and gave me every possible assistance, that I could wish. I am extremely sorry to state to you the loss of Lieutenant [William S.] Bush of Marines. He fell at the head of his men in getting ready to board the Enemy. In him our Country has lost a Valuable and Brave Officer. After the fall of Mr Bush, Mr [Lieutenant John] Contee took command of the Marines, and I have pleasure in saying that his conduct was that of a Brave good Officer, and the Marines behaved with great coolness, and courage during the action, and annoyed the Enemy very much whilst she was under our Stern.

    Enclosed I have the Honour to forward you a list of Killed, and Wounded, on board the Constitution, and a list of Killed, and Wounded, on board the Enemy, with a List of her crew and a Copy of her quarter Bill, also a report of the damage the Constitution received in the Action. I have the honour to be [&c.]

Isaac Hull


[Source: National Archives, Record Group 45, Captain's Letters, 1812, Vol. 2, No. 207. This report, written on 28 Aug., was the first and most detailed report Hull wrote on this action, but he sent a shorter version, dated 30 Aug., to the secretary with a note stating that he had drafted a "short sketch" which the secretary might deem more worthy of publication.]

There are two sides to every story.  Here is what the British commander,  Captain James R. Dacres had to write to the Vice Admiral Herbert Sawyer of the Royal Navy to explain how he had lost His Majesties Ship Guerriere to an American frigate.

Captain James R. Dacres, Royal Navy, to Vice Admiral Herbert Sawyer, Royal Navy

Boston 7th September 1812
Sir,

    I am sorry to inform you of the Capture of His Majesty's late Ship Guerriere by the American Frigate 

The Best of 2012: USS Constitution Sails For First Time Since 1997

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew Meyers/ Released)

USS Constitution Sails For First Time Since 1997
     
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution departed her berth from Charlestown, Mass. Aug. 19, to set sail for the first time since 1997, during an underway demonstration commemorating Guerriere Day.

The underway honored the 200th anniversary of Constitution's decisive victory over the HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, marking the first time a United States frigate defeated a Royal Navy frigate at or nearly equal size. It's also the battle in which Constitution earned her famous nickname "Old Ironsides."

"I cannot think of a better way to honor those who fought in the war as well as celebrate Constitution's successes during the War of 1812 than for the ship to be under sail," said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. "The event also ties our past and present by having the ship not only crewed by the outstanding young men and women who make up her crew, but also the 150 chief petty officer [CPO] selectees who join us for their Heritage Week."

More than 150 CPO selectees and CPO mentor chiefs assisted Constitution's crew in setting sails. CPO selectees participated in Constitution's annual CPO Heritage Weeks, a weeklong training cycle divided by two weeks that teaches selectees time-honored maritime evolutions, such as gun drills, line handling and setting sails. The training is also designed to instill pride in naval heritage in the Navy's senior enlisted leadership.

"I'm a boatswain's mate," said Chief (Select) Boatswain's Mate (SW) Michael Zgoda, assigned to USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "This is the foundation of my rate. Being able to learn from a variety of genuine chiefs and their different perspectives on leadership is overwhelming and important to the chief petty officer transition. I'm extremely honored to be a part of the group that can say they sailed the USS Constitution."

The ship got underway at 9:57 a.m. with tugs attached to her sides and 285 people on board, including special guests, such as the 58th, 59th, 62nd and 65th former commanding officers of Constitution; Rear Adm. Richard Breckenridge, Commander, Submarine Group Two; Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic; Vice Adm. William French, Commander, Navy Installations Command; retired Navy Capt. Thomas Hudner Jr., Medal of Honor recipient; and Dr. Phil Budden, Britain's Consul General to New England.

At 10:27 a.m., Budden and Bonner tossed a wreath into the ocean to honor and remember Constitution's battle with the HMS Guerriere.

When the ship arrived at President Roads, a body of water of Boston Harbor, the crew then set three sails from Constitution's main, mizzen and fore masts, and at 12:25 p.m., she detached from her tugs and sailed west under her own power for 17 minutes. She sailed at a maximum speed of 3.1 knots, at an average of two knots, and at a distance of 1,100 yards.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew Meyers

"As the ship's sail master, I felt a combination of pride and relief that the hundreds of man hours of training and planning over the past year all came together, and we were able to accomplish this goal," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Conrad Hunt. "I'm really proud that I can say I was a part of this historic occasion."

After tugs reattached to Constitution's sides, the ship headed to Fort Independence on Castle Island, where thousands of spectators waited to watch Constitution fire a 21-gun salute toward the fort at 1:14 p.m. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defense post for Boston Harbor at one time.

Finally, the ship returned to her pier at 2:05 p.m. and everyone departed once the brow was safely set and the ship was clean. Constitution re-opened to the public for tours of the ship's history at 4 p.m.

"For me, this underway is representative of an incredible amount of work and dedication by not only the crew, but Maintenance and Repair Facility, Naval History and Heritage Command, and all of the partners coming together to make this happen," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW/SW) Jason Keith, who is the longest serving crew member currently assigned to Constitution. Keith reported to the ship April 13, 2009 and will depart Aug. 31. "I've given tours to thousands of people, shined brass for hundreds of hours, and I've climbed the rigging to set and furl these sails over and over again. But sailing USS Constitution on Aug. 19, 2012 is one of the greatest honors I've had in my naval career, and I'm truly proud to be a part of this history."

The last time Constitution sailed under her own power was July 21, 1997 to honor the ship's 200th birthday. It was the first time the ship sailed in 116 years.

"When we sailed the ship, it became clear it was a different experience you can't have in port," said Lance Beebe, a crew member aboard Constitution's 1997 sail. "The ship comes alive, and you truly understand what she is all about. This new crew [2012 Sailors] just joined a group of crew members [1997 Sailors] that also got to experience Constitution under sail, and they became a significant part of her history as a result."

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. America's Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history.

For more information, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.>

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.>
For more news from USS Constitution, visit www.navy.mil/local/constitution/.

The Best of 2012: Escape from an Enemy Squadron

Escape from an Enemy Squadron, 1812

Old Ironsides' Battle Record: Documents of USS Constitution's Illustrious Deeds

When war was declared on Great Britain, 18 June 1812, the Constitution had just left Alexandria, Virginia, destined for Annapolis, Maryland. After resupplying she set sail for New York. What her captain, Isaac Hull, did not know was that a squadron British ships was organizing off New York to blockade the harbor. On 15 July, Constitution ran into HMS Guerriere, which was soon joined by four other vessels in chase of the American warship.


Captain Hull's official report to the Secretary of the Navy outlines the three-day chase off the coast of New Jersey. In his own words he describes how he successfully outmaneuvered and outran the British squadron in one of the most dramatic American naval episodes. Eventually, Hull was able to dock Constitution at Boston. Just a few weeks later Constitution would meet Guerriere again under much different circumstances.

Photo courtesy of US Navy

21 July 1812
Captain Isaac Hull to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton

U.S. Frigate Constitution At Sea July 21st 1812

Sir,
In pursuance of your orders of the 3d inst I left Annapolis on the 5th inst and the Capes on the 12th of which I advised you by the Pilot that brought the Ship to sea.
For several days after we got out the wind was light, and ahead which with a Strong Southerly current prevented our making much way to the Northward On the 17th at 2 PM being in 22 fathoms water off Egg harbour four sail of Ships were discovered from the Mast Head to the Northward and in shore of us; apparently Ships of War The wind being very light all sail was made in chase of them, to ascertain whether they were Enemy's Ships, or our Squadron having got out of New York waiting the arrival of the Constitution, the latter of which, I had reason to believe was the case.
At 4 in the afternoon a Ship was seen from the Mast head bearing about NE Standing for us under all sail, which she continued to do until Sundown at which time, she was too far off to distinguish signals and the Ships in Shore, only to be seen from the Tops, they were standing off to the Southward, and Eastward. As we could not ascertain before dark, what the Ship in the offing was, I determined to stand for her and get near enough to make the night signal. At 10 in the Evening being within Six or Eight miles of the Strange sail, the Private Signal was made, and kept up nearly one hour, but finding she could not answer it, I concluded she, and the Ships in Shore were Enemy. I immediately hauled off to the Southward, and Eastward, and made all sail, having determined to lay off till day light, to see what they were. The Ship that we had been chasing hauled off after us showing a light, and occasionally making signals, supposed to be for the Ships in Shore.
18th. At day light, or a little before it was quite light, Saw two sail under our Lee, which proved to be Frigates of the Enemies. One Frigate astern within about five or Six miles, and a Line of Battle Ship, a Frigate, a Brig, and Schooner, about ten or twelve miles directly astern all in chase of us, with a fine breeze, and coming up very fast it being nearly calm where we were. Soon after Sunrise the wind entirely left us, and the Ship would not steer but fell round off with her head towards the two Ships under our lee.
The Boats were instantly hoisted out, and sent ahead to tow the Ships head round, and to endeavour to get her farther from the Enemy, being then within five miles of three heavy Frigates. The Boats of the Enemy were got out, and sent ahead to tow, which with the light air that remained with them, they came up very fast. Finding the Enemy coming fast up and but little chance of escaping from them; I ordered two of the Guns on the Gun Deck, run out at the Cabbin windows for Stern Guns on the gun deck, and hoisted one of the 24 Pounders off the Gundeck, and run that, with the Fore Castle Gun, an Eighteen pounder, out at the Ports on the quarter Deck, and cleared the Ship for Action, being determined they should not get her, without resistance on our part, notwithstanding their force, and the situation we were placed in. At about 7 in the Morning the Ship nearest us approaching with Gun Shot, and directly astern, I ordered one of the Stern Guns fired to see if we could reach her, to endeavour to disable her masts, found the Shot fell a little Short, would not fire any more.

USS Constitution VS HMS Java 200 Years Ago Today

 USS Constitution VS HMS Java

Story taken from the journal of Commodore William Bainbridge commander of the USS Constitution.

Journal of Commodore William Bainbridge

Extract from Commodore 

Bainbridge's Journal Kept 

on board the U. S. Frigate

Constitution

Tuesday 29th December 1812

At 9 AM, discovered two Strange Sails on the weather bow, at 10. AM. discovered the strange sails to be Ships, one of them stood in for the land, and the other steered off shore in a direction towards us. At 10.45. We tacked ship to the Nd & Wd and stood for the sail standing towards us,-At 11 tacked to the Sd & Ed hauld up the mainsail and took in the Royals. At 11.30 AM made the private signal for the day, which was not answered, & then set the mainsail and royals to draw the strange sail off from the neutral Coast.

Wednesday 30th December 1812, (Nautical Time) Commences with Clear weather and moderate breezes from E.N.E. Hoisted our Ensign and Pendant. At 15 minutes past meridian, The ship hoisted her colours, an English Ensign, --having a signal flying at her Main Red Yellow-Red At 1.26 being sufficiently from the land, and finding the ship to be an English Frigate, took in the Main Sail and Royals, tacked Ship and stood for the enemy

At 1 .50. P.M, The Enemy bore down with an intention of rakeing us, which we avoided by wearing. At 2, P.M, the enemy being within half a mile, of us, and to wind ward, & having hawled down his colours to dip his Gafft, and not hoisting them again except an Union Jack at the Mizen Mast head, (we having hoisted on board the Constitution an American Jack forward Broad Pendant at Main, American Ensign at Mizen Top Gallant Mast head and at the end of The Gafft) induced me to give orders to the officer of the 3rd Division to fire one Gun ahead of the enemy to make him show his Colours, which being done brought on afire from us of the whole broadside, on which he hoisted an English Ensign at the Peak, and another in his weather Main Rigging, besides his Pendant and then immediately returned our fire, which brought on a general action with round and grape.

The enemy Kept at a much greater distance than I wished, but Could not bring him to closer action without exposing ourselves to several rakes.-Considerable Manoeuvers were made by both Vessels to rake and avoid being raked.

The following Minutes Were Taken during the Action

At 2.10. P.M,

Commenced The Action within good grape and Canister distance. The enemy to windward (but much farther than I wished).

At 2,30. P.M,

our wheel was shot entirely away

At 2.40.

determined to close with the Enemy, notwithstanding her rakeing, set the Fore sail & Luff'd up close to him.

At 2,50,

The Enemies Jib boom got foul of our Mizen Rigging

At 3

The Head of the enemies Bowsprit & Jib boom shot away by us

At 3.5

Shot away the enemies foremast by the board

At 3.15

Shot away The enemies Main Top mast just above the Cap

At 3.40

Shot away Gafft and Spunker boom

At 3.55

Shot his mizen mast nearly by the board

At 4.5

Having silenced the fire of the enemy completely and his colours in main Rigging being [down] Supposed he had Struck, Then hawl'd about the Courses to shoot ahead to repair our rigging, which was extremely cut, leaving the enemy a complete wreck, soon after discovered that The enemies flag was still flying hove too to repair Some of our damages.

At 4.20.

The Enemies Main Mast went by the board.

At 4.50

[Wore] ship and stood for the Enemy

At 5.25

Got very close to the enemy in a very [effective] rakeing position, athwart his bows & was at the very instance of rakeing him, when he most prudently Struck his Flag.