The Ship

Though a “show boat” in many regards, USS Constitution is actually crewed by active duty sailors and commanders where it is regarded as an honor to serve on and underneath her decks for any chosen man. The vessel was first ordered in 1794, laid down that same year and launched in 1797.  Acting US President George Washington is credited with naming the vessel after the United States Constitution. Constitution completed a round-the-world voyage in March of 1844, taking some 30 months to accomplish the feat. In a bit of interesting trivia, she remains the only known vessel afloat to have sunk an enemy ship with true cannon fire. —Military Factory