Now how a visit to Old Ironsides did not pan out for me but years later I got a dream assignment to Panama! Old Ironsides Yes, old Ironsides is the only ship in the US Navy that was never defeated in over 42 engagements. Now in an historical engagement during the war of 1812 Old Ironsides took on the HMS Java off Brazil. Although the USS Constitution suffered 40 casualties, the Brits took 139 casualties. She has indeed been a blessed ship. Now for a little story.... When I transferred off the USS Manley DD-940, I went to the USS Vogelgesang DD-862. These were both navy destroyers (Tin Cans). The first was of the Forrest Sherman Class and the latter was of the Gearing Class. The Vogelgesang was undergoing yard work at Charlestown Navy Yard. We were located at the bottom of Bunker Hill.... and we all know what happen there. Well, since the ship was really being worked on we stayed in a barracks in the yards. It was all open bays back then. The USS Constitution was just a few blocks away. I went aboard her a couple of times. I also hung out at the Morningside Bar and Grill. They served delicious subs, breakfast links and Sunnyside eggs with grits… grits in Boston? Well, the owner a southern boy had retired from the Navy while his ship was in Boston. He probably was in his 60s.... Back then I was only 18. So anybody over 30 was ancient! Not now. He really had some sea stories to tell. He had gone through the Panama Canal quite a few times.... just like many of us. That is one thing about going to sea... you really get to see the world with your Uncle Sam. Today, all these people who book cruises and I always say wow, I have been there and done that with my Uncle Sam. I remember back in the 80s one could book passage on a tramp freighter going to the South China Seas or wherever there was cargo. I dont know if these freelance shippers still exist. But a friend of mine did just that. Then the old Banana boats also had steady service from Panama to the United States and the port at New Orleans. In the mid 70s I lived in Baltimore, Maryland for 1-1/2 years before moving to Alexandria, Virginia. So, I was fortunate to have visited the inner harbor in Baltimore and did do ships visit on the Constellation. But Old Ironsides will always be my favorite. The sailors who man her are on active duty. While on active duty on the USS Vogelgesang DD-862, I inquired about a transfer to the USS Constitution but having very little time onboard the Vogie I was turned down. Probably the only way I would have been able to do it was on a swap. But most sailors on Old Ironsides were too happy and not thinking of going anywhere. So, I visited her when I could to check out the girls who also went where the boys are.... For many years I carried a ships coin from Old Ironsides but on a lengthy deployment I misplaced it. The repairs over time have been made to her hull from Naval Oaks that are grown near Pensacola Naval Air Station. Yes, the ship that was built when ships were wooden and men were made of Iron. She sits quite majestically in the water. It is really a must see for anybody who visits Boston. The USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, the oldest US Navy ship in commission. Key facts: * Active service from 1797 to present * Classified a 44-gun frigate had 54 cannons * Survived 42 Battles * Never was defeated * Destroyed or captured 32 enemy ships * 21 inch thick wooden hull * Length 204 feet * Beam 43 feet - 6 inches * Displaces 2,400 tons * Mast 220 feet high * 36 sails- 42,720 square feet * Original cost $303,718.84 in 1797 dollars * $12 Million restoration cost * Speed 13 knots under full sail * National Tour 1931 -1934, went through the Panama Canal
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:44:20 +0000
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