"Old Ironsides," the world’s oldest commissioned warship, sailed again for the first time since 1997. The Navy vessel, officially known as the frigate Constitution, departed Charlestown, Mass., Aug. 19, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of its victory over the British frigate Guerriere during the War of 1812. The cruise in and around Boston Harbor began shortly before 10 a.m. and continued until shortly after 2 p.m. After tugboats turned the ship loose, it operated under sail – traveling about 1,100 yards for about 15 minutes. Constitution, which earned the "Old Ironsides" moniker during the fight with Guerriere, fired a 21-gun salute while underway. The trip included 285 people, including VIP guests and a Navy crew. The vessel is moored permanently at Charlestown, where it draws half a million visitors annually.
