USS Constitution Underway, Celebrates Independence Day

From USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution and its crew got underway from the ship's berth in Charlestown, Mass., July 4 to celebrate the United States' independence.

Constitution's second underway of 2011 is one of the last major events of Boston Harborfest, June 29 to July 4.

"For nearly 214 years, Constitution has been serving our nation in one capacity or another," said Cmdr. Tim Cooper, Constitution's 71st commanding officer. "Today, her job is one of education and outreach. As part of that, we're excited to take the ship out into the harbor to recognize our great nation."

The USO Liberty Bells kicked the underway off by singing the "Star-Spangled Banner." They later also recognized the 70th anniversary of the USO. The ship then departed pier-side at 11 a.m. with 552 guests, including the 2011 lottery winners in attendance.

Constitution officially opened its lottery program to the public for the first time in three years Feb. 1.

"I feel really lucky to have won," said Ray Darnell, who traveled from Needham Market, England. "I think it's got to be an experience of a lifetime, and unfortunately, we [British Royal navy] didn't manage to take the ship back from you [referring to the War of 1812].

"The ship is well maintained and is a credit to the U.S. Navy. We've also been very well looked after by the crew."

Sailors then began teaching guests about "Old Ironsides'" history. At 12 p.m. they performed a 21-gun salute near Fort Independence on Castle Island. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defense post for Boston Harbor at one time.

Sailors performed a final 17-gun salute to the city of Boston near Coast Guard Station Boston and returned pier-side at 2 p.m.

"This was my last underway aboard this great ship," said Yeoman 1st Class (SCW) Chrishinda Dobbs, who will transfer to a different command. "Doing it on the Fourth of July couldn't conclude my experience here any better. I've learned so much, and it's amazing how every time this ship goes out just how proud she makes people. They never forget her history. She really is special, and I will be sad to leave her."

Harborfest is a six-day Fourth of July festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of Boston. The festival strives to honor and remember the past, celebrate the present and educate the future with reenactments, concerts and historical tours.

Constitution Sailors have been performing 17th century-era boarding pike and gun drills in the Charlestown Navy Yard since Harborfest began. They also hosted their annual Sunset Parade July 1.

Additionally, Constitution's color guard will perform in the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at Boston's Hatch Shell at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.