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21.10.

1797: USS Constitution: Oldest Warship Still in Service

1797: USS Constitution: Oldest Warship Still in Service
Photo Credit To http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/USS_Constitution_Sail200d.jpg

Story Highlights

  • historical event:
  • The USS Constitution has acquired an incredibly rich history during its over 200-year-long service. It participated in battles as far back as the French Revolution, and even served as the U.S. flagship in the Mediterranean Sea.

The USS Constitution, the oldest warship still in service, was commissioned on this day in 1797. The USS Constitution is a wooden sailing ship, around 93 meters long and armed with over 50 guns. Its displacement is approximately 2,200 tons, and once had around 450 crew members. Its main mast is 67 meters tall.



In fact, the USS Constitution is today the oldest ship still sailing. Admiral Nelson’s famous flagship, HMS Victory, has also been preserved and is somewhat older, but is currently kept in a dry dock rather than in the water.

The USS Constitution has acquired an incredibly rich history during its over 200-year-long service. It participated in battles as far back as the French Revolution, and even served as the U.S. flagship in the Mediterranean Sea.

The ship is still in the service of the U.S. Navy, and currently has a crew of only 60 sailors and officers. Over 70 captains have commanded the USS Constitution throughout its long history.

 




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