Apr
22
U.S.S. Constitution
Filed Under Education and Love for Learning
I fulfilled a life-long dream of boarding the U.S.S. Constitution. I built a scale model of the ship when I was young and I’ve always wanted to visit it. The Navy launches the ship about 8 times per year. They have a raffle for those who get to launch with her. I’m going to enter the raffle until I get to ride that beautiful ship.
Interesting facts given by the tour guide:
- 500+ crew.
- 9-11 sailors needed for operating each gun.
- 44 guns.
- Originally called the U.S.F. (United States Frigate) because of the number of guns on the ship.
- All ships today are U.S.S. (United States Ship) because there are so many different sizes and combinations of guns today.
- Oldest commissioned Naval vessel in the world.
- Had 33 engagements during its day. Never lost one.
- Rudder weighs 5,000 pounds.
- Masts have been replaced 4 times.
- The ship was originally commissioned to protect young America’s merchant fleet which found itself unprotected by the Royal fleet following the Revolutionary War.
I can’t believe I didn’t have a camera when I was there. It gives me an excuse to go back.