From the September 6, 2012, Manchester (Ct) Patch by Philip R. Devlin.
At 215 years, the USS Constitution is the oldest active-duty naval vessel in the world. It achieved its greatest fame from its battle with the British frigate HMS Guerriere in 1812.
Five Connecticut natives have commanded the vessel during its long career. Another Connecticut-native saved her during the Civil War and a piece of the original ship can be found in New London.
The present-day crew still wear the uniform of the day from 1812, a tradition started by the ship's 58th commander, Connecticut native Tyrone G. Martin who took command August 6, 1974 until June 30, 1978. He now lives in North Carolina and is considered the world's leading authority on the ship, having authored several books on it, including itshighly regarded history "A Most Fortunate Ship: A Definitive History of the 'Old Ironsides."
During the nation's bicentennial in 1976, he gave a private tour of the Constitution to Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Henry.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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