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