In 1997, Commander Michael Beck took USS CONSTITUTION sailing for the first time in 116 years. Beck proved the ship's seaworthiness, trained his crew, and launched a campaign with schoolchildren to fund new sails. On July 21, in a captivating spectacle viewed worldwide, CONSTITUTION sailed just outside Marblehead Harbor in Massachusetts Bay. Beck retired from the Navy after the event, and pursued a second career as an educator and headmaster at several prep schools. #MeetTheCommander #OldIronsid

On October 21, 1797, USS CONSTITUTION was launched in Boston as one of the first six frigates of the U.S. Navy. Today, 'America's Ship of State' still holds a special place in Boston’s heart. Over the next few days, we’ll celebrate the city’s deep connection to 'Old Ironsides.' Fun fact: Paul Revere, famous for his 'Midnight Ride,' played a key role in building the ship! At 60, he provided the copper fittings that protected the wooden hull from rust and marine worms — a critical innovation that

25K views · 1.6K reactions | New Year, same keel! Construction for USS Constitution started in 1794. The keel, made of 4 massive planks of New Jersey white oak, was the first part of the ship to be constructed. USS Constitution's keel today is the same one which was laid over 225 years ago. | USS Constitution | Facebook