Jonah Patel
The USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy, has seen a range of duties and battles since its launch in 1797. The ship's crew has varied over time, from the more than 480 officers, sailors, and Marines during the War of 1812 to the current active-duty crew of 60 to 70 men and women. The work involved in maintaining the ship has also evolved, with restoration efforts in the 1970s and 2010s requiring custom-made parts and specialised knowledge. The ship has a rich history, including hosting Pope Pius IX and King Ferdinand II on board in 1849, and remaining undefeated during the War of 1812 with relatively few casualties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of construction | 1794 |
| Year of first launch | 1797 |
| Number of commanders | 77 |
| Number of crew members | 60-70 (currently); 480+ during the War of 1812 |
| Materials used | Pine, oak, red oak, white oak, live oak |
| Maintenance | Funded by the Navy; restoration work done in dry dock |
| Duties | Served as a brig for officers awaiting court-martial; hosted foreign dignitaries; guided tours for visitors |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution's crew
The USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy, has had a long and illustrious history with a crew to match. The ship first set sail in 1797 and has had 77 commanders since.
The crew of the USS Constitution has always been made up of active-duty US Navy sailors and officers. During the War of 1812, the ship carried more than 480 officers, sailors, and marines. The ship needed most of those hands to control the sails and fire the cannons. The officers knew that some men would inevitably succumb to accidents or disease, and if they captured enemy vessels, they would need extra sailors to navigate those ships. Therefore, the USS Constitution always tried to sail with as many men as possible.
The able seamen were skilled sailors, but many probably could not read or write their names. Compared to other ships, the USS Constitution suffered relatively few casualties during the War of 1812, and most sailors returned home with prize money in their pockets. The average sailor's experience is pieced together from the life stories of nearly 1,200 men who served on the ship between 1812 and 1815.
Today, the crew of the USS Constitution numbers between 60 and 70 men and women, including enlisted sailors and officers. The ship also serves as a muster station for local reservists. The crew is responsible for the ship's maintenance and provides guided tours to visitors.
James Wilson's Constitution: His Vision and Beliefs
You may want to see also
Maintenance and repairs
One of the earliest recorded maintenance efforts on the USS Constitution took place in 1847 when the ship underwent a refitting for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. During this refitting, the figurehead of Andrew Jackson, which had been a source of controversy, was replaced with a more acceptable likeness.
In the 1950s, an experiment was conducted to test the durability of red oak by adding it to the ship. However, by 1970, the red oak had mostly rotted away, and the ship underwent extensive restoration from 1973 to 1974 to replace large quantities of it. During this period, Commander Tyrone G. Martin set the precedent that all restoration work should aim to maintain the ship's 1812 configuration, for which it is most noted.
After World War II, the USS Constitution remained at the Boston Navy Yard, open to the public with a crew of about 30 sailors to perform maintenance and provide guided tours. In 1947, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating the ship, and in 1954, an Act of Congress made the Secretary of the Navy responsible for its upkeep.
The ship's hull, built with a thickness of 21 inches, has required significant maintenance over the years. During one restoration, 2,200 sections of copper plating on the hull were replaced, and custom-fit planking was cut for various spots. The hull is framed with Live Oak, which is extra hard but expensive and challenging to source. The Navy has had to rely on its own stands of oak in Florida and stored logs to obtain this material.
The USS Constitution's maintenance and repairs have been supported by a combination of Navy personnel, civilians, and contractors. The ship's active-duty crew currently numbers between 60 and 70 men and women, in contrast to the over 480 officers, sailors, and Marines it carried during the War of 1812. The ship's crew today is responsible for maintaining the vessel and sharing its story with visitors.
Dividing Power: The Constitution's Two Key Methods
You may want to see also
The ship's construction
The USS Constitution was first launched in 1797, but its construction began on November 1, 1794, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The ship's construction was supervised by Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn, and Foreman Prince Athearn of the Martha's Vineyard Athearns.
The Constitution's hull was built 21 inches (530 mm) thick, with a length between perpendiculars of 175 ft (53 m) and an overall length of 204 ft (62 m). The ship's width was 43 ft 6 inches (13.26 m). An impressive 60 acres (24 hectares) of trees were needed for her construction! The primary materials used were pine and oak, including southern live oak, which was sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia. Unfortunately, enslaved workers were used to harvest the oak used for the ship's construction.
Over the years, the USS Constitution has undergone several refittings and restorations to maintain its iconic design. One notable refitting began in 1847, when the ship was prepared for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. During this refitting, the controversial figurehead of Andrew Jackson was replaced with a more Napoleonic pose, removing the top hat.
In the 1950s, an experiment was conducted where red oak was used in the ship's construction instead of the traditional live oak. However, by 1970, the red oak had mostly rotted away, and large quantities of it were removed and replaced during a restoration period between April 1973 and April 1974. The ship's hull has also undergone significant work, with custom-fit planking and copper pins used in various spots.
Today, the USS Constitution remains afloat and is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy. It continues to undergo maintenance and restoration work to preserve its legacy.
Constitution Provisions: Rights, Powers, and Limits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Naval battles
The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and has seen action in several naval battles throughout its history. One of its earliest deployments was during the War of 1812, where it played a crucial role in defending American interests and establishing the young nation's naval prowess. With a crew of over 480 officers, sailors, and Marines, the ship was crowded but well-equipped for battle. The Constitution's thick hull and powerful cannons made it a formidable opponent, and it emerged from the war undefeated, with relatively few casualties among its crew.
One of the most notable naval battles involving the USS Constitution took place in 1815, when it faced off against HMS Guerriere. The Constitution's superior firepower and manoeuvrability allowed it to outmanoeuvre and defeat the British frigate. This victory solidified the ship's reputation as a formidable force and earned it the nickname "Old Ironsides".
In the years following the War of 1812, the Constitution continued to serve as an active warship. In 1848, under the command of Captain John Gwinn, the ship was deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the Mediterranean Squadron. During this voyage, the Constitution played host to several notable figures, including King Ferdinand II and Pope Pius IX, who came aboard at Gaeta and received a 21-gun salute. Unfortunately, Captain Gwinn passed away during this tour of duty, and he was buried near Lazaretto.
The Constitution also saw action during World War II, though its role was limited. At this time, the ship served as a brig for officers awaiting court-martial. After the war, the Constitution remained open to the public at its berth in the Boston Navy Yard, with a crew of about 30 sailors dedicated to maintenance and providing guided tours to visitors.
Today, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy and continues to be an active-duty ship with a crew of between 60 and 70 men and women. It serves as a living testament to the history of the US Navy and a reminder of the bravery and skill of those who served aboard her during her many naval battles.
The Living Constitution: Amendments Over Time
You may want to see also
The ship's legacy
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy and the only currently commissioned US Navy ship to hold this title. The ship was first launched in 1797 and has had 77 commanders since.
The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 175 feet between perpendiculars and an overall length of 204 feet. The construction required 60 acres of trees, primarily pine and oak. Southern live oak was sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia, with enslaved workers used to harvest the oak.
The USS Constitution has undergone several refittings and restorations over the years. In 1847, the ship was refitted for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron, and the controversial figurehead of Andrew Jackson was replaced with a more Napoleonic pose. In 1940, the ship was recommissioned at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1972, funds were approved for another restoration, and the ship underwent dry docking in 1973-1974, during which large quantities of red oak were removed and replaced. The ship also underwent dry dock restoration work in 2016.
The USS Constitution has a rich history and has played a significant role in the US Navy. Today, it serves as a testament to the nation's maritime past and continues to be an active-duty ship with a crew of dedicated sailors and officers.
Constitutional Interpretations: Dynamic and Static Perspectives
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The ship carried more than 480 officers, sailors, and marines.
The deck was crowded with little privacy. The able seamen were skilled sailors but probably couldn't read or write.
Yes, during her voyage to the Mediterranean Squadron in 1848-1850, she was involved in a severe collision with the English brig Confidence, cutting it in half and resulting in its sinking.
The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick using pine and oak, including southern live oak.
The Navy owns and pays for the upkeep of the ship, with a crew of active-duty sailors and officers, as well as Navy civilians.
