USS Constitution Celebrates 213th Launching Day Anniversary

By Seaman Shannon S. Heavin, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution and her crew got underway Oct. 21 to celebrate her 213th launching day anniversary.

More than 300 Sailors and guests embarked the ship as she departed her pier in Charlestown at approximately 8 a.m., following morning colors.

"For over 200 years, this ship has used both force and diplomacy to advance American interests all over the world," said Cmdr. Timothy Cooper, Constitution's 71st commanding officer. "Her mission today is one of education and outreach, and I can think of no better way to accomplish that mission than getting Constitution underway. The fact that today is her 213th birthday makes this underway all the more special."

The ship then fired a 21-gun salute in the vicinity of Fort Independence on Castle Island. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defense post for Boston Harbor at one time. Sailors also taught guests about "Old Ironsides'" history.

"With buoyant spirits, we embarked upon this vessel filled with awe and pride to celebrate the eagle of sea's 213th birthday," said Bobby Power, local historian.

The ship also fired an additional 17 shots as she passed the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the former site of the Edmund Hartt shipyard where Constitution was built. Each round of this salute honored the 16 states that comprised America when Constitution launched in 1797 and one in honor of the ship. Constitution then returned to her berth at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Finally, Cooper announced the 2010 junior and senior Sailors of the year and the 2010 winners of the Berenson and leadership awards. The Berenson award winner went to the Sailor who consistently gave the best tours of Constitution. The leadership award went to the Sailor who demonstrated the best leadership qualities as determined by peers.

"Winning junior Sailor of the year on board the USS Constitution's birthday underway is a sheer honor, in that I see the rich history that has shaped us today," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Wallace. "I am proof that hard work pays off."

It took Constitution's crew three attempts in 1797 before successfully launching her Oct. 21. The first failed attempt came Sept. 20 and the second two days later. She kept getting stuck in the mud due to her heavy weight.

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