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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive
Contributed by Mike Smolinksi

USS Constitution
ex
 USS Constitution (IX-21) (1925 - 1975)
 USS Old Constitution (IX-21) (1921 - 1925)
 USS Old Constitution (1917 - 1921)
 USS Constitution (1798 - 1917)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Alpha - Papa - Juliet
 NAPJ
Sail Frigate:
  • Built at Hartt's Shipyard, Boston, MA.
  • Launched, 21 October 1797
  • Commissioned USS Constitution, 22 July 1798, Commodore Samuel Nicholson, in command
  • Decommissioned and placed in ordinary, circa 1800, at Boston, MA.
  • Recommissioned, 1803
  • Decommissioned in November 1807
  • Recommissioned in August 1809
  • Decommissioned and placed in ordinary in 1815, at Boston, MA.
  • Recommissioned in May 1821
  • Decommissioned in 1830
  • Recommissioned in 1835
  • Decommissioned in 1851
  • Recommissioned in 1852
  • Decommissioned in 1855
  • Recommissioned in 1860
  • Decommissioned in 1871
  • Recommissioned in July 1877
  • Decommissioned in 1884
  • Renamed Old Constitution, 1 December 1917
  • Name restored, 24 July 1925
  • Recommissioned, 1 July 1931,
  • Decommissioned, 8 June 1934
  • Recommissioned, 24 August 1940
  • Classified Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-21), 8 January 1941
  • Classification IX withdrawn 2 September 1975 by order of the Secretary of the Navy
  • On 28 October 2009 President Obama signed a law making USS Constitution the nation's "ship of state," in effect, a national flagship
    Specifications:
    Displacement 2,200 t.
    Length 175'
    Beam 43' 6"
    Draft 14' 3"
    Speed 13 kts.
    Complement 450
    Armament 28 24-pdrs
    Propulsion sail
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Constitution 102k USS Constitution Sail Plan Robert Hurst
    Constitution 207k An undated painting from the US Library of Congress of the 44-gun frigate USS Constitution as she battles the elements. Artist unknown.
    Photo and text from "An Illustrated History of the United States Navy" by Chester G. Hearn.    		 Robert Hurst
    Constitution 111k Painting from the US Library of Congress of USS Constitution as flagship of Commodore Edward Preble squadron during the bombardment of Tripoli, beginning on 3 August 1804. Other ships of the squadron included: USS Enterprise, USS Nautilus, USS Argus, USS Siren, and USS Vixen. Artist Unknown.
    Photo and text from "An Illustrated History of the United States Navy" by Chester G. Hearn.    		 Robert Hurst
    Constitution 2837k USS Constitution hauled out of the water on the marine railway at Navy Yard Portsmouth, N.H., 27 March 1858. (This is the oldest known photo of Constitution.) Robert Hurst,Ty Martin and Darryl Baker
    Constitution 290k USS Constitution hauled out of the water on a marine railway at Navy Yard Philadelphia, PA. in 1873, for rebuilding. Darryl Baker
    Constitution 117k Barracks ship USS Constitution at Charlestown, Boston, MA., circa 1905.
    Photo Detroit Publishing Company.    		 Robert Hurst
    Constitution 101k Post card image of USS Constitution housed over and serving as a Barracks ship at Charlestown, Boston, MA., date unknown. Note the Bunker Hill Monument in the background. Arnold Putnam
    Constitution 258k Post card image of USS Constitution serving as a Barracks ship at Charlestown, Boston, MA., circa 1906. Tommy Trampp
    Constitution 256k Colored post card images of USS Constitution at Navy Yard Charlestown, Boston, MA. serving as receiving ship, circa 1905. from the Boston National Historical Park Collection. Stephen P. Carlson, Preservation Specialist, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA.
    Constitution 339k
    Constitution 206k USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" moored at Navy Yard Portsmouth, N.H. Post card collection of Arnold A. Putnam
    Constitution 101k Images of the USS Constitution first major historic restoration.

    NH-55678 The first major historic restoration of USS Constitution took place in 1907 and saw the removal of the house superstructure and restoration of her gun ports. It also involved remasting/rerigging the frigate. This sequence taken on 1 May 1907 shows the stepping of the masts. This view, taken at 10:30 a.m., shows the lower section of the main mast being positioned by Portal Crane 12. The location is at the end of Dry Dock 2 at Pier 3 of the Boston Navy Yard. U.S. Navy photograph from Naval Historical Center.

    NH-55676 By 3:30 p.m., when the bowsprit was lowered in place, the ship had been moved to the Pier 4 side of the dock. U.S. Navy photograph from Naval Historical Center.

    NH-55677 A half hour later, all three masts and the bowsprit have been installed. U.S. Navy photograph from Naval Historical Center.

    NH-63532 By 29 June 1907 work on the standing rigging for the masts in well underway. U.S. Navy photograph from Naval Historical Center.

    NH-63532 Two months later, on 28 August 1907, the completed ship is seen at Pier 2 East, which would be her berth for many years.

    All photos from the US Naval Historical Center, now in the collection of the Boston NHP Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA.    		 Stephen P. Carlson, Preservation Specialist, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA
    Constitution 110k
    Constitution 110k
    Constitution 117k
    Constitution 137k
    Constitution 233k Post card image of USS Constitution moored pierside at Navy Yard Boston, Charlestown Annex, date unknown. Tommy Trampp
    Constitution 150k Post card image of USS Constitution underway, circa 1920s, location unknown. Tommy Trampp
    Constitution 459k USS Constitution undocking from Dry Dock No. 1, Boston Navy Yard, 15 March 1930 following her 1927-1930 reconstruction.
    U.S. Navy photo, Boston NHP Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTS-10750.    		 Darryl Baker and Stephen P. Carlson, Preservation Specialist, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
    Constitution 169k Post card image of USS Constitution underway, circa 1920s, during her annual turn around in Boston Harbor. Arnold A. Putnam
    Mohave 116k USS Mohave (AT-15) at Boston Navy Yard, circa 1924.
    USS Bridgeport (AD-10) and USS Constitution (IX-21) are in the background.
    US Navy photo # NH 45949 from the collections of the US Naval Historical Center         		US Naval Historical Center
    Constitution 238k Post Card image of USS Constitution moored at Boston, date unknown. Arnold Putnam
    Constitution 515k USS Constitution anchored at Bar Harbor, Maind, 13 July 1931. Alongside partially hidden is USS Grebe (AM-43), serving as tender and tow ship during the three year national tour. Jonathan Eno, from the collection of Henry Brown
    Constitution 269k Two 32 pound Long Rifle Cannons removed from USS Constitution during her major restoration in 1926 and not replaced as they were not part of the original 1797 armament. The two cannon are now situated at the Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, WA. Photos by Ric Hedman
    Constitution 269k
    Constitution 196k
    Constitution 264k
    Constitution
    Constitution MI 4-26-33 31233-2-75    		 1403k USS Constitution (IX-21) at Mare Island Navy Yard, 26 April through 2 May 1933, during her national tour.
    File name: Constitution MI 4-26-33 31233-2-75 (Arriving)
    File Name: Constitution MI 4-26-1933 Berth
    File Name: Constitution MI 4-26-33
    File Name: Constitution MI 5-2-1933 (Departing)    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution
    Constitution MI 4-26-33 Berth    		 1817k
    Constitution
    Constitution MI 4-26-33    		 783k
    Constitution
    Constitution MI 5-2-1933    		 1226k
    Constitution 377k Post card image of USS Constitution (IX-21) moored at a wharf at Naval Station Newport, R.I. adjacent to the south drill field, October 1942 Tommy Trampp
    Constitution 92k It takes four seamen to man the wheel of USS Constitution (IX-21) while she is underway, date and location unknown.
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18736-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 113k USS Constitution (IX-21) spar deck.
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18737-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 111k Scuttlebutt and Hardness Cask located on the Gun Deck of USS Constitution (IX-21).
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18739-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 74k Grog Tug located aboard USS Constitution (IX-21).
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18740-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 98k USS Constitution (IX-21)'s starboard battery of 24 pounders.
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18741-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 104k One of USS Constitution (IX-21)'s 24 pounders.
    Mare Island Naval Shipyard photo # MINSY 18738-9-53    		 Darryl Baker
    Constitution 370k Post card image of USS Constitution (IX-21) at her moorings Naval Shipyard Boston, MA., date unknown. Arnold A. Putnam
    Constitution 402k Post card image of USS Constitution (IX-21)'s 32-pdr Carronades, date unknown. Arnold A. Putnam
    Constitution 278k Post card image of USS Constitution (IX-21) moored at her berth in the Boston Naval Shipyard, South Annex, Charlestown, MA., date unknown. Tommy Trampp
    Constitution 125k USS Constitution (IX-21) underway in Boston Harbor, circa 1965. © Richard Leonhardt
    Chegodega 65k USS Constitution (IX-21) with Chegodega (YTM-542) alongside in Boston Harbor, circa 1965. ©Richard Leonhardt
    Constitution 30k USS Constitution (IX-21) at Boston, MA., date unknown. Hyperwar US Navy in WWII web site
    Constitution 705k CDR. Tyrone G. Martin, Commanding Officer USS Constitution, welcoming Queen Elizabeth II of England on board, 11 July 1976. Between them, doing the introduction, is SecNav J. William Middendorf, II. To his right rear are Prince Philip and RADM Roy E. Snyder. Commandant, FIRST Naval District. CDR. Tyrone G. Martin USN Ret. 49th CO USS Constitution
    Constitution 66k CDR. Tyrone G. Martin, Commanding Officer USS Constitution and Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate Walter R. Gross receiving the ship's first Meritorious Unit Commendation from RADM Ralph R. Hedges, Commandant, FIRST Naval District, in October 1976. CDR. Tyrone G. Martin USN Ret. 49th CO USS Constitution
    Constitution 705k A starboard quarter view of the 44-gun sail frigate USS Constitution moored in a dry dock at the Charleston Memorial Shipyard, 25 September 1992. The ship is being prepared for its bicentennial celebration in 1997-1998.
    US Navy photo # DN-SC-93-00813 BOSTON (25 September 1992) by CDR. John Charles Roach.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 169k USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship, will celebrate her 199th Anniversary, 21 October 1996, at her home port in Boston Harbor, where the ship was first built nearly 200 years ago. With a 12 million dollar, 5 year overhaul almost complete, Constitution's crew plans to set sail in 1997 to celebrate her 200th anniversary.
    US Navy photo # 961008-N-1214S-002 BOSTON, MASS (8 October 1996) by PH3 David G. Schmidt.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 156k USS Constitution underway in Boston Harbor circa 1997. Photo by Janet Stearns, (courtesy of USS Constitution Museum, Boston). Photo from "Six Frigates", by Ian W. Toll. Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 873k USS Constitution underway in Boston Harbor, 21 July 1997, with six sails set and a crowd of civilian boats in the background with passengers observing.
    US Navy photo by JO2 Todd Stevens.    		 Robert Hurst
    Constitution 156k USS Constitution firing her guns in salute in Massachusetts Bay, 21 July 1997, escorted by the Guided Missile Frigate USS Halyburton (FFG-40) (center) and the Guided Missile Destroyer USS Ramage (DDG-61) (right), as the United States Navy's Blue Angels pass overhead. Commissioned on 21 October 1797, Constitution set sail unassisted for the first time in 116 years.
    US Navy photo JO2 by Todd Stevens.    		 Robert Hurst
    Constitution 206k A modern Sailor “mans the rail” from on board the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG-61). Ramage provided escort for the worlds oldest commissioned warship, USS Constitution, while tugs aided in her transit to Marblehead Neck, MA. Commissioned on October 21st, 1797, Constitution will set sail unassisted on July 21st, 1997, for the first time in 116 years. Constitution celebrates its 200th birthday on October 21st of this year, after completing a 40 month overhaul.
    US Navy photo # 970720-N-6483G-012 Off the coast of Massachusetts (Jul. 20, 1997) by PHC John E. Gay.    		 Hyperwar US Navy in WWII web site
    Constitution 113k USS Constitution underway in Boston Harbor dressed with flags overall, 21 July 1998. A Navy League photo from "Warship Boneyards" by Kit and Carolyn Bonner. Robert Hurst
    Constitution 107k USS Constitution at Boston, MA., November 2003. Charles T. Canterbury HMC(SW) USN
    Constitution 102k USS Constitution at Boston, MA., November 2003. Charles T. Canterbury HMC(SW) USN
    Constitution 96k USS Constitution at Boston, MA., November 2003. Charles T. Canterbury HMC(SW) USN
    Constitution 117k USS Constitution at Boston, MA., November 2003. Charles T. Canterbury HMC(SW) USN
    Constitution 48k USS Constitution at Boston, MA., date unknown. Robert Hurst
    Constitution 534k Seventy Medal of Honor Recipients get underway aboard USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship afloat, for a turn-about cruise and a Medal of Honor flag presentation in Boston Harbor. The Medal of Honor is our country's highest military honor, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
    US Navy photo # 060930-N-0696M-027 Charlestown, Mass. (Sept. 30, 2006) MC1 Chad J. McNeeley.
    US Air Force photo # 060930-F-2678S-001 Boston Harbor (Sept. 30, 2006) by Janice Abate.
    US Air Force photo # 060930-F-2678S-068 Boston Harbor (Sept. 30, 2006) by Janice Abate.
    US Air Force photo # 060930-F-2678S-057 Boston Harbor (Sept. 30, 2006) by Janice Abate.
    US Air Force photo # 060930-F-2678S-042 Boston Harbor (Sept. 30, 2006) by Janice Abate.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 489k
    Constitution 489k
    Constitution 489k
    Constitution 489k
    Constitution 2175k USS Constitution makes her annual trip through Boston in celebration of the Fourth of July. Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” is the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy and oldest floating warship in the world.
    US Navy photo # 070704-N-1189B-068 BOSTON (July 4, 2007) by MC2 Zachary L. Borden.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 2066k Sailors aboard multi-purpose assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) salute USS Constitution as she makes her annual trip through Boston in celebration of the Fourth of July.
    US Navy photo # 070704-N-1189B-082 BOSTON (July 4, 2007) by MC2 Zachary L. Borden.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Constitution 822k The first major snowfall of the New Year blankets the USS Constitution. Despite the weather "Old Ironside," remained open for free public tours. At 210-years-old, Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, manned by 67 active-duty United States Sailors and visited by nearly half a million visitors annually.
    US Navy photo # 080114-N-2893B-002 CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (Jan. 14, 2008) by MC1 Eric Brown     		Lee Wahler
    Constitution 1050k USS Constitution is moored at the Charlestown Navy Yard for her annual turnaround cruise. Every year since the 1950s, "Old Ironsides" turns 180 degrees to ensure even weathering on her hull, masts, rigging and yards. Constitution will maintain her summer schedule of free, public tours until her shift to winter hours Nov. 1.
    US Navy photo # 080904-N-0167W-034 BOSTON HARBOR, Mass. (Sept. 4, 2008) by MC2 Clay Weis    		 Lee Wahler
    Constitution 2014k USS Constitution returns to her pier after being underway to celebrate her 213th launching day anniversary. .
    US Navy photo # 101021-N-7642M-317 BOSTON (Oct. 21, 2010) by MC3 Kathryn E. Macdonald.    		 Francis Brindisi

    For more photos and information about USS Constitution, see;
  • Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
  • USS Constitution Battle Streamers
  • USS Constitution Oil Paintings, Water Color Paintings and Lithographs
  • Robert M. Cieri USS Constitution Photograph Collection
  • Ken Parker USS Constitution Photograph Collection
  • The Captain's Clerk
  • Commanding Officers List
  • The USS Constitution Museum
  • Official US Navy Site for USS Constitution
    • Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
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    Last Updated 12 August 2011