U.S.S. Constitution - Old Ironsides

USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. Launched in 1797, Constitution was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794.

Sailor in his uniform. The girls and the guys wear this uniform.

The USS Constitution is most famous for her actions during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. When in battle with Guerriere, the captain of the Constitution waited until they were 25 yards away from the HMS Guerriere before giving the order to fire. The battle lasted 30 minutes and the Constitution was the winner. She is undefeated in battle. She is made of two types of Oak and the canon balls from the HMS Guerriere either stuck in her side or bounced off her sides, thus earning her the nickname "Old Ironsides".
When we got to this deck, the third deck down, the tour guide asked us to close our eyes and that pitch black darkness is what the sailors would see when they came down here. There were no port holes, no electricity and the sailors couldn't see anything. They slept in these hammocks, only 4 hours at a time. Sailors with senority got the outer hammocks because they had more room around them. The newbies got only 18 inches in width of space.
This was the grandiose Captain's quarters on the second deck down. Man, he had it made. Not only did he get this nice bed, but he had a nice living room, his own cook, and dining room.

The tour was very interesting and took only 30 minutes. The Navy is currently working on restoring her masts. She will sail in 2013 to commemorate her anniversary.