USS Constitution Continues Tradition; Names Gun 'Beat Army'

From the December 9, 2021, Charlestown Patriot-Bridge.

The USS Constitution named one of its 24-pound long guns "Beat Army" in support  of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen as they take on the U.S. Military Academy's Black Knights in the  2021 annual Army-Navy game on December 11.

"Beat Army" was chosen  after they named one of their guns "Go Navy" for the 2020 matchup.

Historically, 24-pounder long gun teams consisted of up to 14 men operating two guns on opposite sides of the ship.

When paired in a gun team, the two guns would read "Go Navy, Beat Army."

The official "Beat Army" unveiling can be seen December 11 on the USS Constitution's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

And, by the way, we watched the game at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion and there was a whole lot of rivalry there, as well as a chili cookoff.  What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with all that tradition and good eating.

And, by the way, Navy won 17-13, in a close game.

Go Navy, Beat Army.

George Campbell Read, USN-- Part 2: A Varied and Long Navy Career

He was promoted to commander in 1816 and then served in the Mediterranean and off the coast of Africa.  In 1825, he was promoted again, this time to captain and commanded the USS Constitution in 1826

In 1838-1839, he took part in the retaliatory action against pirates and raiders who preyed upon American shipping in India.  From 1836 to 1846 he commanded the Philadelphia Navy Yard.  He also contributed to the establishment of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Then from 1846 to 1849, he commanded the African Squadron.  When the Civil War broke out, in 1861, he was in charge of the Philadelphia Naval Asylum.

His final promotion came in July 1862, to the rank of rear admiral.   He died a month later.

A Long and Varied Career.  --Brock-Perry

About Seaman Ortiz-Lopez's Ship, the USS Constitution

But, you probably already knew.

The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and especially the War of 1812.

The ship was undefeated in battle and captured 33 enemy ships in its career.

For many years it served as a dormitory for U.S. Navy midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy.

The ship got its nickname, "Old Ironsides" after it was seen that British cannonballs bounced off its wooden sides during the War of 1812.

An ironclad built during the Civil War, made of iron, had the name "New Ironsides."

--Brock-Perry

British Flag Captured in War of 1812 On Display at USNA Museum

From the April 6, 2018, Annapolis (Md) Patch  "British Flag Captured In War Of 1812 To Go On Display"

Viewing of a British Royal Standard flag will take place at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Museum in Dahlgren Hall April 7.  It flew over York (now Toronto) Canada and was captured by U.S. forces during the War of 1812.

Both Congressional and Presidential Directives require the USNA to preserve and exhibit captured flags.

This will be the first time this particular flag has been seen by the public since the 1880s when it was "lost,"  The flag is 35' by 25' in size.

The museum has over 60,000 items and several War of 1812 flags.  Among its flag collection are 200 battle flags and over 600 flags altogether.

--Brock-Perry

Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay Commemorate the War of 1812

From the March 8, 1813, Eye on Annapolis "Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Celebrate War of 1812 Bicentennial."

It will be part of Maryland's Star-Spangled 200.

No major sea or land battles were fought in or near Annapolis.

The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis is opening a 2,500 square foot exhibition April 1, 2013, a part of "Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812."  It features hundreds of artifacts including the anchor of the USS Constitution and carved wooden figureheads from the USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon.

A self-guided walking tour of historic War of 1812 sites in Annapolis was unveiled last summer.  It features ten stops: five at the Naval Academy and five in Annapolis' Historic District.  Stops at the Academy: USNA Museum, Mahan Hall, cannon from the HMS Confiance that surrendered at the Battle of Lake Champlain and the HMS Macedonian monument.

In Annapolis:  Chase-Lloyd House where Francis Scott Key got married, St. John's College where Key was educated, St. Anne's Church where he attended services, the Historical Annapolis Museum and the Maryland State House.

Tour guides are available.

--Brock-Perry

Connecticut's USS Constitution Connection-- Part 2

Continued from June 25th.

Twentieth century Captain Albert C. Messice was one of the ship's four Connecticut commanders, 1952-1954.

Another Connecticut man with a connection was Glastonburg native Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War whom Lincoln referred to as "My Neptune."  He saved the ship from Confederate sabateurs early in the war.

The Constitution was used as a training ship for U.S. Naval Academy midshipman at Annapolis, Maryland, before the war.  It was too close to Confederate lines and Welles had the ship sent to Newport, Rhode Island, for the war's duration.  The USNA was also moved there.

The front door of the Custom House Maritime Museum at 154 Bank Street in New London, Connecticut, is made of original ship planks taken from it during one of the many renovations that have occurred over the years.

The iron in its cannons came from Connecticut foundries.

Also, the ship's most famous commander, Isaac Hull, came from the state.

An Old Ironside Connection.  --Brock-Perry