Eagle Feathers #147 – The Eagle of the Sea

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

The Navy’s U.S.S. Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides or the Eagle of the Sea, is one of New England’s main historic attractions. Launched in 1797, the 220-year-old wooden navy frigate is the oldest floating, commissioned war ship in the world. She is a National Historic Landmark and for over two centuries has more than honored that distinction.

Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, she draws about 530,000 visitors each year to explore beneath her rigging. One of the long list of commanders of the Constitution was Somerville native Richard Bradford Amirault, who led her from 1991 to 1995.

“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute” was the rallying cry for America’s victory over Tripoli, and the Constitution led the way. She was the flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet that helped defeat the Barbary Pirates. One of the heroic officers who gave his life during that war was Commodore Richard Somers, Somerville’s namesake. He planned his last mission on September 4, 1804, while on board Constitution; but, regrettably, never survived to return to her deck.

A few years later, the American Navy found itself at war once more. This time it was with England, and the Constitution again built on her legendary fame for the part she played. It was the War of 1812, and during this time she acquired a new nickname after her defeat of the British ship, Guerriere. During this battle, the enemy’s cannon balls repeatedly bounced off her rugged oak hull causing the American chant, “Her sides are made of iron.” Old Ironsides went on to achieve a perfect battle record … never boarded, never defeated.

Throughout her gallant history, the Constitution has been restored many times with her most recent restoration completed in 2017. In 1830, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes’ epic poem, “Old Ironsides” saved her, and a century later children from across America helped rescue her again through their “Pennies for Old Ironsides” print campaign.

Today, after 220 years of battles against the enemy and overhauls against nature, she is known by many different names … the U.S.S. Constitution, Old Ironsides, and The Eagle of the Sea. She proudly sails on as a story of America!