Launched in 1797, the 30 gun frigate USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat (a distinction which is made very clearly to visitors, as Admiral Nelson's 104 gun flagship HMS Victory is older but no longer afloat). She is based at the Charlestown Naval Yard in Boston and I have had the privilege of being onboard her twice in the last year. She is a beautiful ship, very different in style and design to the first rate ship of the line Victory (who I toured about a decade ago) and kept in very fine shape.
Last week I was honoured to be invited to the Change of Command ceremony as a War College classmate of mine became Constitution's 74th Commanding Officer. His predecessors include such famous names as Decatur and Bainbridge. Of particular interest is that the crew continue to utilise period costumes for ceremonial purposes, as you can see here.
Fair winds and following seas to the USS Constitution and her new Captain!
Not a big Navy fan, but damn that would be cool. Thanks for sharing your awesome experience.
ReplyDelete"Not a big Navy fan" - Sacrilege!!!
Delete:-)
Rum, sodomy and the lash!
DeleteWonderful report, Paul. It really shows a lot of devotion to your service branch which make me - as an army man - slightly envious. ;-)
ReplyDeleteVery cool - I am most jealous
ReplyDeleteThere's a relief, it's 'real people' for a, moment I thought I might be looking at a fan recreation of that scene in 'Star Trek: Generations' I imagine your classmate must be looking forward to some serious job satisfaction?
ReplyDeleteVery cool and interesting. Keeping period uniforms as a tradition is excellent.
ReplyDeletecheers
What an amazing opportunity, nice work!
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