Mo's Manic Monday - Iron
Posted: Monday, September 01, 2008 by Travis Cody in
Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at It's A Blog Eat Blog World. Today's theme is Iron.
The USS Constitution was officially commissioned to service in the fledgling US Navy in 1797. She earned the nickname Old Ironsides in a battle against HMS Guerriere in 1812 when a cannon shot reportedly bounced off her hull.
She served on active duty until 1855, when she became a school ship for the US Naval Academy. She was never de-commissioned and has served variously as a training ship and a museum.
Old Ironsides has undergone numerous refittings and repairs to keep her seaworthy. And seaworthy she is. She is the oldest fully commissioned vessel afloat today. She is still owned and operated by the US Navy.
The ship is currently undergoing another reconstruction which should last through 2009. She remains open to the public during construction, which will restore her decking to the original white oak and yellow pine.
That's a beautiful ship! Thanks for all that info Trav. :)