Jonah Patel
The USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, left dry dock on July 23, 2017, after a two-year restoration process. The ship, also known as Old Ironsides, returned to Boston Harbor in Charlestown Navy Yard, Massachusetts, where it is expected to reopen to the public. The USS Constitution has undergone several repairs and restorations over the years, including the recent mast makeover in 2023, to preserve its historical significance and ensure it remains an active commissioned ship in the Navy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of leaving dry dock | July 23, 2017 |
| Time of leaving dry dock | 11:10 p.m. |
| Location | Dry Dock 1, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston |
| Time spent in dry dock | 2 years |
| Reason for dry docking | Restoration, repairs |
| Current status | Moored in Boston as of August 7, 2023, undergoing repairs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
USS Constitution left Dry Dock 1 on July 23, 2017
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", left Dry Dock 1 at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston on July 23, 2017, at approximately 11:10 p.m. This marked the end of a two-year-long restoration process, during which the ship underwent significant repairs and maintenance to preserve its legacy as the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat.
The USS Constitution's departure from Dry Dock 1 was a meticulously planned operation. In the days leading up to July 23, several preparations were made to ensure a smooth undocking process. This included the relocation of the USS Cassin Young, a World War II Fletcher-class destroyer, from its usual berth at Pier 1 East to Pier 1 West in the Charlestown Navy Yard on July 17, 2017. The 1901-built Charlestown Navy Yard caisson, which had been moored outside Dry Dock 1 since 2015, was also moved to make way for the USS Constitution's exit.
On the night of July 23, light towers illuminated Dry Dock 1 as the final stages of preparation unfolded. Line handlers played a crucial role in managing neon orange lines stored on neon yellow handcarts positioned along both sides of the ship. These lines were instrumental in guiding "Old Ironsides" as she was refloated and towed out of the dry dock. The ship was pulled out stern-first, aided by a towing bridle attached to her transom on either side.
As the water slowly filled Dry Dock 1, the USS Constitution began her stately return to Boston Harbor. By approximately 11:30 p.m., she had fully crossed the threshold of Dry Dock 1 and was ready to be moored at Pier 1 East, the usual berth of the USS Cassin Young. This marked the conclusion of the ship's first dry docking of the 21st century and a significant milestone in preserving its rich history.
The restoration work on the USS Constitution involved various intricate processes. During this period, a blacksmith crafted 468 copper pins to secure bronze protective castings to the ship's cutwater on the bow. White oak planks were carefully steamed and bent to fit the ship's hull and bow, with 24 of the 150 trees designated for this purpose in the 1970s being utilised. Additionally, 2,200 new copper sheets were nailed to the hull to protect against wood-boring shipworms. This continued a tradition of copper sheathing on the lower hull since 1797.
Mastering Monster Constitution: Saving Throws Explained
You may want to see also
The ship underwent a 26-month restoration
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. It underwent a 26-month restoration, from May 2015 to July 2017, during which it was docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard. This restoration was part of the ship's ongoing maintenance and preservation, with the goal of maintaining its 1812 configuration.
During the 26-month restoration, the ship underwent extensive work, including the replacement of hull planks and copper sheathing. The Navy designated 150 white oaks for future restoration work, and 24 of these trees were used during this period. The planks were cut, steamed, and bent to fit the ship's hull and bow. Additionally, 2,200 new copper sheets were nailed to the hull to protect against wood-boring shipworms.
The restoration also included the fashioning of 468 copper pins by a blacksmith. These pins were used to hold bronze protective castings to the forward edge of the ship's cutwater on the bow. The ship's jibboom, one of three spars projecting from the bow, was also replaced with a laminated Douglas fir spar. This work was carried out by Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston ship restorer Kevin Mansfield, who used plans and drawings from 1929 as a guide.
The USS Constitution has a long history of repairs and restorations, dating back to its first significant 20th-century restoration in 1906-1907. During this restoration, the ship received a partial sailing rig, replica guns, and an open waist at the spar deck level. The ship has also undergone periodic dry docking for hull plank replacement, caulking, rigging work, and other maintenance.
The 26-month restoration from 2015 to 2017 was a significant undertaking, requiring the collaboration of ship restorers from the Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston and teams of sailors. The ship was refloated on July 23, 2017, and returned to Boston Harbor, where it continues to be a popular attraction for tourists.
Electoral Timetables: Constitutional Requirements for Elections
You may want to see also
Repairs included work on the hull and copper castings
The USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, left Dry Dock 1 at Charlestown Navy Yard on July 23, 2017, after a two-year restoration. The ship, also known as "Old Ironsides", underwent significant repairs and restoration work during its time in dry dock. One of the key focuses of these repairs was the hull and copper castings.
The USS Constitution's hull required extensive work during the restoration. Restoration workers cut 100 hull planks from white oak trees designated by the Navy for this purpose. After steaming these planks to make them pliable, workers had approximately three minutes to bend the wood into the right shape to fit the ship's hull. This process was crucial to restoring the hull to its original shape and ensuring the ship's structural integrity.
In addition to the hull work, the restoration project also involved repairs and upgrades to the ship's copper castings. A blacksmith fashioned 468 copper pins to hold bronze protective castings to the forward edge of the ship's cutwater on the bow. These copper pins played a crucial role in securing the bronze castings, enhancing the ship's protection against the elements and ensuring the safety of its crew.
The copper sheathing on the hull was also replaced during this restoration period. Around 2,200 new copper sheets were nailed to the hull, replacing the old copper sheets. This process of copper sheathing has been a regular part of the USS Constitution's maintenance since 1797. By covering the lower hull with copper, the ship is protected against wood-boring shipworms, extending its lifespan and improving its performance in the water.
The repairs and restoration work on the USS Constitution's hull and copper castings were a significant part of the overall restoration project. These specific tasks played a crucial role in preserving the ship's structural integrity, protecting it from the elements, and ensuring its continued seaworthiness. With these repairs completed, the USS Constitution could return to the water and continue its legacy as one of the world's most historic warships.
The Florida Constitution: A Lengthy Legal Document
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat
The USS Constitution is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Also known as Old Ironsides, it was launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
The USS Constitution was one of six original frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third to be constructed. It was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and was designed by Joshua Humphreys to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. The frigate was initially built to protect American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.
The USS Constitution has undergone several restorations and repairs over the years to preserve its structure. One notable restoration took place between 1927 and 1931, after which the ship was recommissioned and visited 90 American ports, attracting over 4.5 million visitors. More recently, in 2017, the USS Constitution underwent a 26-month restoration while docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts. This restoration involved using planks cut from white oak trees, steaming them, and bending them to fit the ship's hull. The ship left the dry dock on July 23, 2017, and returned to Boston Harbor.
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 participation in public events. It is usually berthed at Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard and is open to visitors year-round, offering free tours and educational programs led by its crew of 75 officers and sailors. Despite limited funds and deterioration over the years, the USS Constitution remains a symbol of American history and naval power, with about 15% of its original material from the 1790s still intact.
Engineering Hazards: Malfunctions, Occurrences, and Their Dangers
You may want to see also
The ship is also known as Old Ironsides
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 warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and is one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering.
The Constitution is most noted for her actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous British merchantmen and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The capture of Guerriere earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides". Witnesses claimed that the British shots merely bounced off the Constitution's sides, as if the ship were made of iron rather than wood. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed: "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"
The unexpected victory of Old Ironsides against a British frigate helped unite America behind the war effort and made Commander Hull a national hero. The Constitution went on to defeat or capture seven more British ships in the War of 1812 and ran the British blockade of Boston twice. After the war, Old Ironsides served as the flagship of the navy’s Mediterranean squadron and in 1828 was laid up in Boston. The ship's defining moment occurred a decade and a half after its launch, in action against the British frigate HMS Guerriere.
In 1940, Major General Bruce Magruder saw a picture of the Constitution and decided that her nickname offered suitable inspiration for the U.S. Army’s new 1st Armored Division. This incarnation of “Old Ironsides” served in Tunisia, Italy, Germany, Vietnam, and the Middle East and is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Detecting Water Vapor: What Positive Test Results Mean
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution first left dry dock on July 23, 2017.
During the first dry dock period, the USS Constitution underwent a 26-month restoration. This included fixing the copper hull, cutting and steaming planks to fit the ship's bow, and nailing copper sheets to the hull to protect against wood-boring shipworms.
The USS Constitution returned to dry dock in May 2023 for repairs to its mainmast and fighting top.
