Omar Bennett
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, with 77 commanders since its launch in 1797. The captain of the USS Constitution is the highest-ranking officer with ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew. The captain's first duty is to prepare the ship for sea, which includes conducting inventories of equipment and creating account books. The first lieutenant is the captain's second-in-command and takes charge of the ship in the captain's absence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch year | 1797 |
| Other names | Old Ironsides |
| Type of ship | Three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate |
| Number of guns | 44 |
| Number of crew | 450-500 during active combat years; 75 enlisted sailors today |
| Captain during launching ceremony | James Sever |
| Captain in 1974 | Tyrone G. Martin |
| Captain in 1998 | Billie Farrell |
| First lieutenant's role | Second-in-command to the captain; in charge of the ship in the captain's absence |
| Master-at-arms' role | Chief of security; responsible for teaching the use of the ship's small arms |
| Quartermaster's role | Appointed by the sailing master; assisted the master's mates; supervised stowage of ballast and provisions; supervised men at the wheel |
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat
- Tyrone G. Martin was the captain in 1974
- The captain has ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew
- The first lieutenant is second-in-command and oversees the ship's maintenance
- The first duties of the USS Constitution were to protect American merchant shipping and defeat the Barbary pirates
The USS Constitution is the world's oldest naval warship 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 naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797. The ship was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and was one of six original frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious history, serving as a vital asset for the US Navy in multiple conflicts, including the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War.
The construction of the USS Constitution utilised pine and oak, with the latter sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia. The ship's hull was built with a thickness of 21 inches (530 mm), a length of 175 feet (53 metres) between perpendiculars, an overall length of 204 feet (62 metres), and a width of 43 feet and 6 inches (13.26 metres). The ship required an immense amount of resources, with 60 acres of trees used for its construction. Unfortunately, enslaved workers were employed to harvest the oak, highlighting a dark chapter in the ship's history.
The USS Constitution has undergone several repairs and modifications throughout its existence to maintain its seaworthiness. Notably, Commander Tyrone G. Martin, who became the ship's captain in August 1974, played a pivotal role in preserving the ship's historical integrity. Martin ensured that all construction work aimed to maintain the ship's 1812 configuration, for which it is most renowned. The USS Constitution Museum, which opened in 1976, also contributes to the ship's preservation, supplying white oak required for repair work.
The USS Constitution has had a significant impact on naval history, with its design influencing subsequent naval vessels. During its active combat years, the ship required a large crew, typically ranging from 450 to 500 sailors. The captain held the highest rank and bore ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew. The captain's first duty was to prepare the ship for sea, which included inventories, account books, and recruitment. The first lieutenant, equivalent to the modern executive officer, served as the captain's second-in-command and played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the ship.
Today, the USS Constitution continues to be an iconic symbol of naval history, with a dedicated crew maintaining its legacy. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the world of naval warfare during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
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Tyrone G. Martin was the captain in 1974
Tyrone G. Martin was a retired United States Navy commander and a naval historian. He was born in 1930 and was commissioned as an officer in 1952. During his twenty-six years in the Navy, he commanded two destroyers on tours of duty off Korea and Vietnam. He became the commanding officer (captain) of the USS Constitution on 6 August 1974.
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. She was launched in 1797 and has had 77 commanders since.
Commander Tyrone G. Martin became the 58th captain of the USS Constitution in August 1974. He set the precedent that all construction work on the ship was to be aimed at maintaining her 1812 configuration, for which she is most well-known. In September 1975, the ship's hull classification of IX-21 was officially canceled.
During the United States Bicentennial celebrations in July 1976, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip toured the USS Constitution with Commander Martin and Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf. Over 900,000 visitors toured the ship that year. Commander Martin dedicated a tract of land as "Constitution Grove" in Indiana in 1976. The land now supplies most of the white oak required for the ship's repair work.
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The captain has ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew
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, having been launched in 1797. As a complex sailing warship, the USS Constitution required a large crew to keep her at sea during her active combat years, with 450 to 500 crew members needed for each cruise.
The captain of the USS Constitution has always held the ultimate responsibility for the ship and its crew. During the War of 1812, the captain's rank was the highest in the navy, and they typically commanded ships with 20 or more guns. The captain's first duty was to prepare the ship for sea, which included conducting inventories of all stores and equipment, creating account books, and recruiting crew members. The captain worked closely with the first lieutenant, who was the second-in-command and delegated significant power and responsibility. The first lieutenant was in charge of ensuring the smooth running of the ship and oversaw the ship's maintenance.
While the first lieutenant could take command in the captain's absence, the ultimate responsibility for the ship and crew rested with the captain. This included ensuring the ship was adequately stocked with supplies and equipment, and that the crew was trained and prepared for any challenges they might face at sea. The captain was also responsible for maintaining the ship's performance and discipline, ensuring that the crew followed orders and that the ship was in compliance with naval regulations.
Over the years, there have been 77 commanders of the USS Constitution, each bearing the weight of responsibility for this historic ship and its crew. The current captain, Commander Tyrone G. Martin, assumed command in August 1974, and has played a key role in preserving the ship's legacy, ensuring that all construction and maintenance work maintains the ship's iconic 1812 configuration.
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The first lieutenant is second-in-command and oversees the ship's maintenance
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. Since its launch in 1797, there have been 77 commanders of the USS Constitution.
Another first lieutenant, Charles Morris, played a crucial role in a pursuit by British ships. When the USS Constitution was becalmed and unable to outrun five British ships, First Lieutenant Morris suggested a strategy to tow the ship out of range using boats and kedge anchors. This action led to a 57-hour chase, during which the crew employed various tactics to evade the British squadron.
The first lieutenant's role in ship maintenance and their ability to make critical decisions during engagements highlights their importance as second-in-command. They are responsible for ensuring the ship's operational readiness and can provide valuable strategic input when faced with challenges.
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The first duties of the USS Constitution 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 is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 the Navy's capital ships, so the USS Constitution and her sister ships were larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious history beyond its first duties as well. It has undergone several refits and continued to serve actively in various capacities. In 1847, the ship underwent refitting for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. Captain John Gwinn commanded the voyage, which included a visit from King Ferdinand II and Pope Pius IX on board at Gaeta, Italy. Unfortunately, Captain Gwinn passed away during this tour of duty, becoming the first captain to die while commanding the ship.
The USS Constitution has also played a role in promoting historical understanding and education. In recent times, its mission has been to foster an understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through active participation in public events and educational programs. The ship is open to the public year-round at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, and its crew of approximately 75 US Navy sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events. The USS Constitution has undergone several restorations to preserve its legacy, including a major overhaul during its time in dry dock from 2015 to 2018.
The USS Constitution holds a significant place in American history and naval tradition. Its construction, under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson, utilized pine and oak, with southern live oak sourced from Georgia. The ship's launching ceremony in 1797 was attended by President John Adams and Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner. Over the years, the USS Constitution has had 77 commanders, with Commander Tyrone G. Martin taking charge in 1974 to prepare for the United States Bicentennial celebrations. The ship has also welcomed female crew members, with Rosemarie Lanam becoming the first female crewmember, and Lieutenant Commander Claire V. Bloom serving as the first female executive officer.
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Frequently asked questions
Since the USS Constitution was first launched in 1797, there have been 77 commanders.
The first commander of the USS Constitution was Captain James Sever, who broke a bottle of Madeira wine on her bowsprit during the launching ceremony.
Commander Tyrone G. Martin became the captain of the USS Constitution in August 1974.
Billie Farrell, who posed for a photo beside the USS Constitution as a high schooler in 1998, is the current commander.
