Summer in the city ---> BOSTON

***  USS Constitution ***

to Sail for First Time since 1997

***************

For immediate release

(August 14, 2012   Lt. Cmdr. Paul Brawley)

"Charlestown, MA. - USS Constitution
is scheduled to set sail Aug. 19th to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory of the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.  This underway demonstration on Guerrier Day
is the first time that she has sailed on her own since 1997..."

***

 

(associated press)

The underway began at approximately 10a.m.  Once Constitution is at President Roads (between Deer Island and Long Island) at approximately 11:30 a.m., the crew will set up to four sails and make toward open water for about 10 minutes. After President Roads, a 21- gun salute exchange with the Massachusetts Army National Guaard's 101st Field Artillery Regiment will then be fired toward Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 1p.m. The 101st Field Artillery Regiment is the oldest regiment in the Army.  Sails will be furled at 2:30 p.m. and crew members will depart the ship at 3p.m. Constitution will re-open for free public tours at 4p.m.

CDR Matthew J. Bonner

"I cannot think of a  better way to honor those who fought in the war as well as celebrate Constitution's successes during the War of 1812 than for the ship to be under sail,"
said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. 

The last time Constitution sailed under her own power was to honor the ship's 200th birthday.  This year's sail will honor Constitution's decisive victory over the HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, marking the first time a United States ship defeated a Royal Navy frigate at or nearly equal size.  It's also the battle in which the ship earned her famous nickname

"Old Ironsides."

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. 

She defended the sea lanes against threats from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. 

America's Navy:

 Keeping the sea free

for more than 200 years.





... Returning to her berth....until next time .

*****

Click here  more information about USS CONSTITUTION

http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/history.html