USS Constitution

[DonBelt]

I've noted on some older topo maps of New England that in the unorganized areas of Maine there were areas listed as US Navy reserve. These were 1936 and 1950's era maps, I don't know if they are on the most recent versions. I had read somewhere that they were originally crown holdings until the US became independent- the presence of stands of large white pines made them valuable for ship's masts.

[surfgun]

Story Number: NNS140702-08Release Date: 7/2/2014 9:21:00 AM A A A
From USS Constitution Public Affairs
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution is scheduled to get underway in Boston Harbor in celebration of America's Independence on Friday, July 4.

The 150 winners of Constitution's annual Fourth of July public lottery drawing and their guests will accompany the Captain and Crew aboard the 216-year-old Constitution on her second of five scheduled underway demonstrations in 2014.

This will be Constitution's final Independence Day underway demonstration until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in early 2015 for planned restoration work.

Old Ironsides is scheduled to get underway from pier 1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard at 10 a.m. The ship will fire a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence at Castle Island in South Boston at approximately 11 a.m. Constitution Sailors will also render an additional 17-gun salute near U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston at approximately noon, prior to the ship's 1:30 p.m. return to her berth at Charlestown Navy Yard.

In addition to the ship's Fourth of July underway, Constitution Sailors will also perform color guard services at the official opening ceremony for Boston Harborfest 2014, Wednesday, July 2 at noon at Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston.

As part of Harborfest, Constitution Sailors will conduct 1812-era gun and boarding pike drills in Charlestown Navy Yard on Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Thursday, July 3 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

To close Harborfest 2014, Constitution will host a sunset concert, featuring Navy Band Northeast, on Sunday, July 6 from 6 p.m. to sunset at Charlestown Navy Yard.

[surfgun]

Despite the threatening weather, she made it out on the 4th.

USS Constitution Takes Final Fourth Of July Turnaround Cruise Until 2018 « CBS Boston

[surfgun]

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Melkus, USS Constitution Public Affairs
BOSTON (NNS) -- Despite a looming threat from hurricane Arthur as the storm continued to make its way up the eastern seaboard, USS Constitution got underway in Boston Harbor in celebration of America's 238th birthday Friday, July 4.

More than 300 guests accompanied the 216-year-old Constitution on her second scheduled underway demonstration of 2014, including 150 winners of Constitution's annual Fourth of July public lottery drawing.

"The Crew and I were thrilled to be able to take Old Ironsides and her guests underway today on our nation's Independence Day," said Cmdr. Sean Kearns, Constitution's 73rd commanding officer. "We monitored the progress of hurricane Arthur closely all week long and had contingency plans in place to postpone the underway if the storm's track presented a safety concern. Fortunately, the storm's track took it far enough out into the Atlantic that it posed no threat from winds or seas, and we also benefited from a window of time with little to no rain during our underway today. All together it combined to allow for a fantastic event and a fitting tribute to our great nation."

Old Ironsides' three-hour tour of the harbor began at 10 a.m. and was highlighted by the firing of two gun salutes from the ship's saluting batteries. The first was a 21-gun salute near Fort Independence on Castle Island, South Boston in honor of the United States. After the completion of the salute aboard Constitution, a saluting battery manned by Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers at Fort Independence then replied with a 21-gun salute of their own.

While returning to her Charlestown berth, Constitution then performed a 17-gun salute, in honor of the city of Boston, Constitution's birthplace, while passing U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston. The area now occupied by the base is the former site of the Edmund Hartt Shipyard, where Old Ironsides was originally launched on Oct. 21, 1797. The shots honored the 16 states that comprised America at the time of Constitution's launch, with an additional shot in honor of the warship herself.

During the underway demonstration, Constitution's crew also twice performed passing honors with Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), which is visiting Boston as part of Harborfest 2014 festivities. Cmdr. Bryan Carmichael, Oak Hill's commanding officer, was one of several distinguished guests aboard Constitution during the underway, along with five of Constitution's former commanding officers.

This will be Constitution's final Independence Day underway demonstration until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in early 2015 for planned restoration work.

"This year's underway had a much different feel compared to last year, mostly because I know it won't be happening again for several years after this," said Seaman Brianna Date, a Constitution Sailor who stood forward lookout watch atop the ship's foremast during the July 4 cruise. "Honestly, I was most nervous about it being too hot up there as opposed to it raining, but luckily mother nature held off just long enough for (the crew) to be able to pull (the underway) off without a hitch. It was a wonderful experience being aboard the ship today."

Constitution's next two underway demonstrations are scheduled for late August as part of the ship's annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks.

[blidgepump]

Dry dock ...

Will the dry dock work be done at the old BNY ?

[desertswo]

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Melkus, USS Constitution Public Affairs
BOSTON (NNS) -- Despite a looming threat from hurricane Arthur as the storm continued to make its way up the eastern seaboard, USS Constitution got underway in Boston Harbor in celebration of America's 238th birthday Friday, July 4.

More than 300 guests accompanied the 216-year-old Constitution on her second scheduled underway demonstration of 2014, including 150 winners of Constitution's annual Fourth of July public lottery drawing.

"The Crew and I were thrilled to be able to take Old Ironsides and her guests underway today on our nation's Independence Day," said Cmdr. Sean Kearns, Constitution's 73rd commanding officer. "We monitored the progress of hurricane Arthur closely all week long and had contingency plans in place to postpone the underway if the storm's track presented a safety concern. Fortunately, the storm's track took it far enough out into the Atlantic that it posed no threat from winds or seas, and we also benefited from a window of time with little to no rain during our underway today. All together it combined to allow for a fantastic event and a fitting tribute to our great nation."

Old Ironsides' three-hour tour of the harbor began at 10 a.m. and was highlighted by the firing of two gun salutes from the ship's saluting batteries. The first was a 21-gun salute near Fort Independence on Castle Island, South Boston in honor of the United States. After the completion of the salute aboard Constitution, a saluting battery manned by Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers at Fort Independence then replied with a 21-gun salute of their own.

While returning to her Charlestown berth, Constitution then performed a 17-gun salute, in honor of the city of Boston, Constitution's birthplace, while passing U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston. The area now occupied by the base is the former site of the Edmund Hartt Shipyard, where Old Ironsides was originally launched on Oct. 21, 1797. The shots honored the 16 states that comprised America at the time of Constitution's launch, with an additional shot in honor of the warship herself.

During the underway demonstration, Constitution's crew also twice performed passing honors with Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), which is visiting Boston as part of Harborfest 2014 festivities. Cmdr. Bryan Carmichael, Oak Hill's commanding officer, was one of several distinguished guests aboard Constitution during the underway, along with five of Constitution's former commanding officers.

This will be Constitution's final Independence Day underway demonstration until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in early 2015 for planned restoration work.

"This year's underway had a much different feel compared to last year, mostly because I know it won't be happening again for several years after this," said Seaman Brianna Date, a Constitution Sailor who stood forward lookout watch atop the ship's foremast during the July 4 cruise. "Honestly, I was most nervous about it being too hot up there as opposed to it raining, but luckily mother nature held off just long enough for (the crew) to be able to pull (the underway) off without a hitch. It was a wonderful experience being aboard the ship today."

Constitution's next two underway demonstrations are scheduled for late August as part of the ship's annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks.

Too bad the actual Constitution is not payed that much respect. This administration is sowing the seeds of dissent in ways I did not think possible, were I not seeing and hearing it with my own eyes and ears.

[SlaterDoc]

Will the dry dock work be done at the old BNY ?

Dry docking the Constitution will be right there in Dry Dock #1 at Charlestown. That's one of the reasons they had to get the Cassin Young done and outta there.
Since she'll be in there for a few years, I wonder if they will significantly reduce her active Navy crew compliment. Also, I wonder if they will still provide tours. That would mean a big drop in revenue draw for the Park Serice if they don't! But then, the Casin Young could see an increase!

[SlaterDoc]

Too bad the actual Constitution is not payed that much respect. This administration is sowing the seeds of dissent in ways I did not think possible, were I not seeing and hearing it with my own eyes and ears.

Skipper, me thinks she may be too much of a symbol and reminder of "actual history"! Since those of that revised history ilk that are running things don't want reality to disturb their view .....or.... cause the young'ns to question what they are being told history is ........! The thing that worries me most is this "we don't need to be the biggest and best in the world" policies! I don't remember who it was that occupied 1600 Penn Ave at the time! But, I sure learned how effective that treaty reduction in forces post WW1 was in fending off another war!!!! Dang, those Nuns that taught me history must have been "far right radical zealots"!

A note to those on here that wonder why I used that moniker "Skipper"... It is a address of respect and recognition!
from Wiki: The captain (Skipper) is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag state policies. All persons on board, including officers and crew, other shipboard staff members, passengers, guests and pilots, are under the captain's authority and are his ultimate responsibility.

[desertswo]

Skipper, me thinks she may be too much of a symbol and reminder of "actual history"! Since those of that revised history ilk that are running things don't want reality to disturb their view .....or.... cause the young'ns to question what they are being told history is ........! The thing that worries me most is this "we don't need to be the biggest and best in the world" policies! I don't remember who it was that occupied 1600 Penn Ave at the time! But, I sure learned how effective that treaty reduction in forces post WW1 was in fending off another war!!!! Dang, those Nuns that taught me history must have been "far right radical zealots"!

I take your point Doc, but your answer sort of makes me think you slightly misunderstood mine (but more likely, I wasn't clear in my original statement, so forgive me if I'm flagellating a room temperature Equus ferus caballus:bang: but I just want to make sure we are singing from the same sheet of music). So here goes; when I said "actual Constitution" I was referring to that holy document (I was shepherded by Benedictine nuns and Augustinian priests for 12 years, so I know the level of pain to which you were subjected), that I still consider myself sworn to support and defend. I just wish others took it as seriously as some of us here (and I know there are many who share that same view vis-a-vis the Constitution).

In my three years on the Joint Staff, I worked a bit with the J-2/NSA world, and I know what those folks are capable of, and the thought of them just randomly reading what I am writing here as but one example, is something I find bone chilling. They could, if properly motivated, take things we all write here and cut and paste them together to make us all look like bomb throwing loonies. The thought that that sort of capability could be used to advance partisan politics, as the IRS has apparently done, from either side of the aisle, is just mind numbing in the extreme. I personally believe we are living in a very scary time, and it's getting scarier by the minute.

[surfgun]

By Seaman Matthew Fairchild, USS Constitution Public Affairs
BOSTON (NNS) -- The crew of USS Constitution embarked on their final Boston Harbor underway demonstration aboard Old Ironsides this year, Oct. 17.

Constitution set out into the harbor for her fifth and final underway of 2014 at 10 a.m. with more than 600 guests in attendance aboard America's 'Ship of State.' The guest list, made up of individuals and organizations with long-standing ties of support to both the ship and the Navy, featured Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a Boston Pops quintet and the Dropkick Murphys, one of Boston's most popular hometown bands.

This was the historic warship's final Boston Harbor cruise until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in March 2015 for a three-year planned restoration period.

"I do not think there is any better way to have celebrated this ship's final underway before going into dry dock for 3 years than having it on this glorious day with all these long-time supporters of the ship and crew here with us," said Cmdr. Sean D. Kearns, USS Constitution's 73rd commanding officer. "It really made this underway very special for all involved."

The underway began with a wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the U.S. Navy's 239th birthday and Constitution's upcoming 217th birthday on Oct. 21, and to honor all Navy Sailors who have served and lost their lives both aboard Constitution and throughout the fleet.

"This underway meant a lot to me because not only did I receive the ship's Blue Jacket of the Year award, but I can also say I was part of the crew that sailed Constitution for the last time for three years," said Yeoman Seaman Brianna Bays.

Following a wreath laying, Constitution's underway attendees were led in the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner by Constitution Gunner's Mate Seaman Amada Williamson, which was followed by the ship's traditional 21-gun salute to the nation off Fort Independence at Castle Island.

On the return trip back to Constitution's berth, both crew and guests alike were treated to special live musical performances by the Boston Pops and Dropkick Murphys, respectively. A Boston Pops quintet performed two musical numbers, followed by the Dropkick Murphys playing a set of nine crowd-rousing songs from the ship's spar deck main hatch, which concluded with one of their most popular hits - "I'm Shipping Up To Boston".

"Today was an amazing and very unique experience," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Christopher Haws, a Constitution crew member. "This was the culmination of everything we, as a crew, have pushed for all year - everything we've worked toward for the future of this historic command."

In a harbor cruise that offered its guests a little bit of everything; even representatives from the Boston Celtics displayed the team's 1981 NBA Championship Trophy in Constitution's captain's cabin for all to see.

Following an additional 17-gun salute off U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston, the site where Constitution was originally constructed and launched Oct. 21, 1797, Old Ironsides returned to her berth in Charlestown Navy Yard at 1 p.m., where she will continue undergoing preparations for transition into Drydock 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard in March 2015.

USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to 1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval seapower to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

[surfgun]

*Below is a summary of the restoration work planned for USS Constitution from 2015-2018:

Fall 2014/Spring 2015 - CONSTITUTION ENTERS DRY DOCK
* Remove CONSTITUTION's upper mast sections, yards and bowsprit
* Remove all guns, ballast & rudder
* CONSTITUTION enters dry dock 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard
* Install staging, then remove copper from hull below the waterline

2015 - 2017 - ONGOING INSPECTION AND REPAIRS
* Inspect hull and replace hull planks as needed
* Inspect rigging and replace as needed
* Inspect and preserve fighting tops for all three masts

2016-2017 - ONGOING PRESERVATION PROJECTS
* Preserve all masts and yards
* Preserve ship's wheel & headboards
* Preserve gun carriages
* Preserve ship's boats

2016 - FOCUS ON BOW
* Replace planking in bow
* Inspect and repair trail-boards at bow

2017 - FOCUS ON STERN
* Remove, inspect, replace and repair ship's stern ornamentation
* Repairs to Captain's Cabin

2017 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO THE WATER
* Replace planking on gun deck and berth deck (lower decks)
* Install rudder
* Re-copper ship's hull beneath the waterline
* Reef out and re-caulk spar deck (top deck)
* Refloat ship
* Re-rig ship once afloat and return guns and furniture

Spring/Summer 2018 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO PIER 1, CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD

*Note: All dates subject to change as the actual conditions of USS Constitution are inspected and discovered.
http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/ftrStory.asp?id=83950