Jonah Patel
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. To be stationed on the USS Constitution, one must be in the U.S. Navy and have a love for history and comfortability in front of the public. The qualifications for those seeking to volunteer for duty onboard the USS Constitution can be found in MILPERSMAN 1306-920.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1797 |
| Type | Three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate |
| Navy | United States Navy |
| Location | Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston |
| Status | Active-duty ship |
| Qualification | Refer to MILPERSMAN 1306-920 |
| Crew Members | Airman Olivia Manley, Emma Hoernlein |
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat
- The qualifications for volunteering for duty are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1306-920
- The ship's first duties were to protect American merchant shipping and defeat the Barbary pirates
- Sailors must be comfortable in front of the public and not afraid of heights
- Many crew members put off specialised job training to serve on the USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, launched in 1797. The USS Constitution was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and was the third to be constructed. The keel was laid on November 1, 1794, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson. The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 204 feet and a width of 43 feet. The primary materials used for construction were pine and oak, including southern live oak. Unfortunately, enslaved workers were used to harvest the oak used for the ship's construction.
The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period, as they were intended to be the young Navy's capital ships. The USS Constitution's first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The ship was portrayed in the silent film "Old Ironsides" during the First Barbary War, which helped raise funds for its restoration.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career. During the Civil War, it was relocated to New York City for protection from Confederate sympathizers. It later moved to Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island, along with the Naval Academy, for the duration of the war. The ship continued to undergo upgrades and repairs over the years, including during the United States Bicentennial celebrations in 1974, where Commander Tyrone G. Martin set the precedent that all construction work should maintain the ship's 1812 configuration.
Today, the USS Constitution remains a commissioned ship in the United States Navy. It is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction, with a crew of sailors performing maintenance and providing guided tours. The ship's long history and continued presence in the Navy are a testament to its enduring legacy.
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The qualifications for volunteering for duty are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1306-920
To get stationed on the USS Constitution, one must refer to MILPERSMAN 1306-920, which outlines the qualifications for volunteering for duty on the ship. The document details the requirements and solicits enlisted applications for duty onboard.
Personnel with a projected rotation date (PRD) as of the date of the message through 1 April 2010 are eligible, while others may apply with command and detailer approval. Selected personnel will typically detach from their present command at their current PRD. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the release of the message, and selection results are available within 60 days.
The application process requires submitting a NAVPERS 1306/7 (Enlisted Personnel Action Request) to the respective rating detailer via the commanding officer, requesting a release to special shore programs. In addition, a NAVPERS 1306/92 (Special Duty Screening Form), evaluations for the past 36 months, height, weight, body composition assessment, physical readiness information, and an official photograph are also required. A letter of endorsement signed by the commanding officer, including an evaluation of the applicant's speaking ability, demeanor, professional knowledge, and leadership skills, is crucial.
Overall, the qualifications and application process for duty on the USS Constitution are detailed in MILPERSMAN 1306-920, with specific requirements and a thorough screening process.
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The ship's first duties were to protect American merchant shipping and defeat the Barbary pirates
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and was the third of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The ship was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts.
The USS Constitution's first duties were to protect American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War (1803-1805). The Barbary pirates, most notably from Algiers, had been seizing American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea since 1785. In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured, and their crews and stores held for ransom. Treaties with Tunis and Tripoli were signed by the fall of 1797, allowing for safe American transit of the Mediterranean. However, this came at a substantial cost in the form of ongoing tribute payments to Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli.
The leaders of the Barbary States were willing to threaten American shipping to ensure these payments continued and increased over time. To counter this threat, the United States assembled two squadrons under the command of Richard Dale and Richard Valentine Morris. Morris's squadron performed poorly, and he was recalled and dismissed from the Navy in 1803. Captain Edward Preble then took command of the USS Constitution, making it his flagship.
In September 1803, Commodore Edward Preble arrived in Tripoli aboard the USS Constitution and began reshaping the conflict. He ordered his ships to enforce the blockade and chase down the corsairs. Preble acquired smaller gunboats that could maneuver along the shoreline and in the harbor. However, one of his ships, the USS Philadelphia, ran aground in Tripoli harbor, and its crew was imprisoned for two years. Despite this setback, the USS Constitution played a crucial role in protecting American merchant shipping and challenging the Barbary pirates during the First Barbary War.
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Sailors must be comfortable in front of the public and not afraid of heights
To get stationed on the USS Constitution, sailors must be comfortable in front of the public and not afraid of heights. The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, with a long and storied history. Serving on this ship is a unique experience unlike any other in the modern fleet, and crew members often put their specialized job training on hold to be a part of it.
Executive Officer John Benda emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in the public eye. The ship is a popular tourist attraction, and the crew's work often involves engaging with visitors and sharing the ship's history. In addition, the crew's duties may include participating in public events and ceremonies, such as serving in the color guard during a Boston Red Sox game.
Being comfortable with heights is also crucial. The ship's rigging and masts reach high above the deck, and sailors may be required to climb the shrouds and set sails. This involves ascending the network of ropes and cables that support the masts, which can be quite a challenge for those afraid of heights.
In addition to these qualifications, sailors must be physically fit and able to perform the rigorous tasks associated with sailing a tall ship. This includes climbing, pulling ropes, and other manual labor. It is also advantageous to have a strong interest in history and a willingness to learn about the ship's past and its role in shaping maritime history.
Overall, serving on the USS Constitution requires a unique set of skills and attributes, including a comfort with public engagement and a head for heights. Sailors who embody these qualities have the opportunity to leave their imprint on the ship's long and illustrious history.
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Many crew members put off specialised job training to serve on the USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794.
The crew of the USS Constitution is made up of a diverse group of individuals, some fresh out of boot camp and others with years of experience serving on ships at sea or on naval bases worldwide. About half of the crew are new recruits, while the rest are experienced sailors. The one thing they all have in common is that they were hand-selected by the ship's command following a rigorous application and interview process. Many of the crew members put off specialized job training to serve on the USS Constitution, opting instead for the unique opportunity to work aboard the oldest commissioned warship afloat.
One crew member, Emma Hoernlein, always knew she would join the navy, as four generations of her family served before her. She was already enrolled in college when she attended her twin brother’s graduation from boot camp, but she liked what she saw and decided to enlist. Another crew member, Josh Hammond, joined the navy to "hit reset" on his life and learn a trade, as well as gain some discipline. He had recently completed a three-year duty as a mass communications specialist on the Constitution.
In the early days of the USS Constitution, during the War of 1812, many of the shipmates could neither read nor write and were dependent on others to read and write for them. On board in 1813, only about one in five sailors could sign their name. Seafaring was one of the few jobs that offered free Black men a respectable career with equal pay, and free African Americans made up an estimated 7-15% of sailors in the navy during the War of 1812.
Today, the USS Constitution's mission is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events. The crew of 75 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
The USS Constitution is located at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.
To get stationed on the USS Constitution, you must first get a copy of MILPERSMAN 1306–920, which outlines the qualifications for those seeking to volunteer for duty onboard.
According to Executive Officer John Benda, those assigned to the USS Constitution must have a love for history and be comfortable in front of the public and with heights. The duties onboard are unlike those on any other ship in the modern fleet, with few crew members engaged in tasks associated with their normal navy jobs.
