The USS Constitution Goes to Washington Navy Yard-- Part 2

Thomas Tingey was a former British naval officer who had served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution and distinguished himself during the Quasi-War .  At Washington Navy Yard (WNY) he proved himself an able administrator and remained at that post from 1799 until his death in 1829.  His residence is now home of the Chief of Navy Operations.

During his long tenure, WNY turned into a nearly full-service facility just coming up short because it did not have a drydock.  In 1806, the sloop of war Wasp became the first of several 19th century warships built there.

Despite being an excellent facility, however, the competence of its workforce came into question when the frigate USS Chesapeake took six months to refit for recommissioning in 1807.  When she was finally ready to go this is when the Chesapeake/Leopard Affair took place when the ship was engaged by the British frigate HMS Leopard, boarded and four American sailors taking off.

This is one of the reasons for the War of 1812.

However, work on the USS Constitution, with the threat of war with Britain impending, went on quickly when it arrived for repairs March 5, 1812.

--Brock-Perry