by D eirdre O 'Regan ew experiences could be more patriotic than seeing USS Constitution get unrway on the 4th ofJuly. The oldest commissioned warship aflo at in the world, Old Ironsides" maintains that status by traveling at least one nautical mile per year. On average, the frigate leaves the dock six to eight times per year for public sails and also for inhouse events where newly promoted chief petty officers are selected for onboard training in traditional sail, history, and general seamanship. Approximately 300 petty officers per year participate in this trai ning. The Independence Day turnaro und sail, of course, is her most famous. With hundreds of people aboard, from dignitaries to the general public, the ship "sails" down Boston H arbor to Fort Independence, where she gives the fort and the thousands of people crowded onto the lawn a 2 1-gun salute. (Sails is in quotes because, this year, no sails were set and a tug was alongside the whole time). Nonetheless, typically, the ship does travel under sail power at least two times per year-usually for the chief petty officer events. The two-hour Fourth of July sail is loaded with pomp and circumstance and includes a moving naturalization ceremony for ten new citizens from all across the world. In this year's ceremony was navy man Jorge Fernandez, Personnelman 2nd C lass. You can serve in our nation's armed forces One view you won't get from on deck is without being a US citizen , a view from outboard. This 2 006 photo but certain jobs in the navy USS Constitutio n in the middle of shows require naturalization for a her 2 1-gun salute to Fort Independence. higher clearance. (above) Personnelman 2nd Class Jo rge Fernandez is congratThe crew aboard dons 1812-era period uniforms, and they perform ulated on becoming a naturalized US citiz en. US District their duties with respect to tradition and ceremon y. Of co urse, with a Court Magistrate j udge Kenneth P Neiman (behind Fernantug alo ngside and no sails set, the helm is not m an n ed-someone is asdez) conducted the ceremony. (below) Commander William signed to stand nearby, but the wheel is not used- and the main duties A. Bullard III is saluted by "Sideboys" as he boards his ship. are lookouts, safety watches, and a six- person crew to set the giant ensign, nicknamed Big Bertha. Despite the rumors that anyo ne who accidentally lets Big Bertha touch the water would lose his o r her post on board Constitution, some reprimand would ensue but the assignm ent to the ship wo uld not be in jeopardy. Perhaps the most line h andling a sailor assigned to "Old Ironsides" gets is in settin g and striking this giant flag. One curious action took place witho ut respite for the entire cruise. Navy sailors continuously set and struck smaller American flags. W e timed a few, and they are set an average of seven seco nds before they are hauled down again, struck, and another one bent on and sent aloft on the fl ag halyards to port. It turns out that just about anyo ne can request to have a flag set on Constitution . You can send your own flag to the Public Affairs office or buy one o n board-each comes with a certificate signed by the captain stating that the (right) Seaman Apprentice Taylor Perkins, Construction Electrician First Class (Special Combat Warfare) Thomas Gardner, Electricians Mate First Class (Surface Warfare) Aaron Walker, Seaman Apprentice Joshua Hanover, and Store Keeper First Class (Surface Warfare) Edwin Arango wrestle with "Big Bertha" as they begin hoisting the huge American flag on its halyard.
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SEA HISTORY 120, AUTUMN 2007