USS Constitution - A Tour from Keel to Upper Deck

Today we take a look around the second oldest commissioned warship in the world, and the oldest afloat, USS Constitution!
Visit the ship here! - www.navy.mil/uss-constitution/
Also, this nearby museum! - ussconstitutionmuseum.org/
Free naval photos and more - www.drachinifel.co.uk
Want to support the channel? - / drachinifel
Want a shirt/mug/hoodie - shop.spreadshirt.com/drachini...
Want a poster? - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Drachinifel
Want to talk about ships? / discord
Want to get some books? www.amazon.co.uk/shop/drachinifelDrydock
Episodes in podcast format - / user-21912004
Music - / ncmepicmusic

[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@Knight6831]

How reasonable is it that USS Constitution will be a Constellation Class Frigate?

[@joshthomas-moore2656]

If Urban combat is the nightmare for Generals, what's an Admirals nightmare?

[@davidharner5865]

! know you are busy, but finishing War of 1812-1815 & US vs CSA War would be loverly!

[@VieneLea]

Oh my god, will you visit Ryan Szimansky too!?

[@datgood121]

Were japanese naval optics/binoculars that much better in the dark compared to their contemporaries?

[@admiraltiberius1989]

When Queen Elizabeth toured the ship in the 80s or 90s, she was shown some cannons that had British markings on them. Obviously they'd been captured in battle and used to replace damaged American ones. The Queen however turned to an aide and said in jest "We must do something about these foreign arms sales now shouldn't we." I've always found that story funny.

[@cpconner93]

The Queen is such a great woman I see why she commands such respect

[@treyhelms5282]

Funny. Great sense of humor.

[@roykum6738]

The guns are replicas made in the UK in the 1920's when the ship was restored. They were the only 24 pounders available at the time. Well, that's what one of the crew told me when I noted the royal crest on the guns.

[@bryanread6663]

The original guns were captured guns. During the American Revolution, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (and Benedict Arnold) captured Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York from the British. A while later, George Washington arrived to take charge of the siege of Boston. He sent Henry Knox to transport the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. The Americans sieging Boston prepared logs and bundles of sticks and whatnot and literally overnight built a fortification on Dorchester Heights overlooking the city, complete with those massive guns. Later on, when they were building Constitution in Boston, there was a problem with the manufacture of the intended armament, so they figured "Why not use these guns we have sitting around?" The current guns are replicas, of course, but the originals are there in the museum.

[@connormclernon26]

I’ve heard she has an atacama desert dry wit

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

Recently uncovered footage of a boarding action by British forces aboard USS Constitution(Colorized)

[@jakesully2868]

Sneaky! 🤣🤣🤣

[@uniwasamistake6334]

My man's 239 years late but he got there at least.

[@sealpiercing8476]

Looks like they resolved boarding action by impressing the boarder

[@lezardvaleth2304]

@@uniwasamistake6334 shaky start but Drach finished strong

[@nukclear2741]

DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP!

[@Errr717]

In the fall of 1968 my ship, USS Samuel B Roberts DD823 went to the Boston Shipyard for a refit. We were there through the winter and on one weekend Boston experienced one of the worst snow storm of the century. We were in the drydock next to the Constitution when in the middle of the night when we were aroused to get up and help the Constitution pull her back in here mooring. The storm brought with it high winds and the Constitution had pulled loose from the mooring and they needed all hands to help bring her back in. She must have been at least 100 feet from the pier when we got to the pier and there were only two lines that were holding her back. It was quite an experience bringing her back next to the pier.

[@elroyscout]

Poor old girl must have seen a british merchant ship and slipped back into old habbits.

[@kimberlainodriscoll4781]

I enlisted in the navy in 1981. Shortly after that, I visited USS Constitution. While on the tour, my girlfriend Katie who I was with let the crew know I just joined the navy. The crew took me under their wing, showed me parts of the ship not seen by tourists. I got to hang out with them in the crew quarters. The Constitution crew took me clubbing to celebrate joining the navy. USS Constitution is part of my personal history.

[@bravocharlie639]

It was Senator Ted Kennedy who preserved the USS Constitution, there's an amazing history of Constitution falling into disrepair several times. Kennedy made sure that it was re-commissioned and so, being part of the US Navy, would receive the attention required and be available to the public as well. I'm a former Naval enlistee myself but gave up my love of War when I was still young. Old Wooden Boats however, have a unique beauty.

[@kimberlainodriscoll4781]

@@bravocharlie639 she is a beautiful ship. I dont know anyone who served, past or present who ever had a love of war. Those who serve hope war never happens but are there to step up if it does.

[@infinitecanadian]

Thanks for serving.

[@davkatjenn]

Great story. Thank you for your service.

[@bravocharlie639]

@@kimberlainodriscoll4781 We have "stepped up" less often than what is obvious. Decorated Combat Marine General Smedley Butler wrote a book about it, it hasn't changed.

[@jaydk9321]

Hahah. I love the fact that tourists thought you worked for the Constitution museum, and you just went with it. Good stuff.

[@TooLateForIeago]

Too funny right? It's probably the beard and the authoritative British accent.

[@christophermancini7380]

Lol, why am I thinking that's not the first or last time Drach unofficially is part of the tour!

[@paultrappiel9943]

Drach should do a paid tour to run tours for museum vessels I reckon.

[@danspragens4935]

As I saw him aboard the ship with all those tourists around, I knew it had to happen eventually.

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

Drach: Look at me. I am the tour guide now.

[@MrDiggityaus]

If those tourists were smart, they would have stood within earshot the whole time 😂 probably wouldn’t have got any better thorough free tour of the Constitution.

[@sewing1243]

If I was there I would have asked Drach if I could follow him around for his lecture/tour.

[@chrisbullock3504]

I was there and yes, a lot of the fans of his were around him a lot listening.

[@MrDiggityaus]

Yeah I guess his fans would have known in advance. But it would have been quite lucky for a family who had no idea who Drach is and getting quite a comprehensive tour lol.

[@danasmith3288]

@@MrDiggityaus or someone like myself who loves Drach, but like a ninny was unaware of his American invasion. I would have taken off from work . . . sigh . .

[@schrodingersgat4344]

I'd argue for the man's arrest! If even one Seaman overheard him, he'd have been Impressed. We all know what happened the last time ,The English, thought they could get away with that. 🤣

[@Aettaro]

That happened to me aboard USS Drum. A bunch of kids were asking their parents questions that they didn't have answers to, there was I, fresh out of the Navy with said answers because I had been on submarines, and I spent the next 40 minutes organizing about 7 kids in the Drum's control into a proper submarine crew. Parents just assumed I worked for the park and thanked me afterwards for making the trip so memorable for their kids.

[@jamesharding3459]

It’s gratifying when that happens, although my story is a little different. I was quoting something I’d read, talking about the early composite armor on the Soviet T-6[X] and T-72 battle tanks (with a T-55 as an anachronistic visual aid!), and turned around to find myself giving a brief rundown of early composite armor to a few passerby.

[@TheEvilMrJeb]

Define irony: A US ship that fought part of war against the British because the British impressed Americans to serve in its navy… has a British man working as a forced tour guide and eventual volunteer gunner aboard her. What a time to be alive. Love the video Drach!

[@professor-josh]

And then the Americans were impressed, but in a different way. "that tour guide was so informative".

[@davidmacy411]

What blows your mind even more is that there was an exchange program with the British Navy where active duty RN sailors would serve the Conny while US sailors went to the Victory.

[@datgood121]

Can we see that 40 minute lecture you did with the tourist? Would love to see their reaction when you tell them you dont work for the museum

[@lancerevell5979]

A unique "I don't work here, lady" moment! 😄

[@juancarlosperezcortes9259]

Yeah, it should be raelly funny. But not everyone has the privilige to have Drach in the museum the same day you go

[@JMM33RanMA]

@@lancerevell5979 I never have said, "I don't work here lady." What I have said on quite a few occasions is, "I'm sorry, I'm not an employee but you are looking for aisle C3," or "perhaps you need to ask an employee."

[@mustlovedragons8047]

I would love to have seen that!

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

YES, YES, YES ! ! ! 🙂😎👍

[@Kevin_Kennelly]

"A 32 pound, short barreled carronade." >Because sometimes you want to see 'the whites of their eyes' before you send them to their god. "If you imagine a bar-fight." >Good to see Drach immersed in Boston culture. Drachinifel....international tour guide impersonator. Firing ship's guns. Makes me look forward to the USS New Jersey tour.

[@adamdubin1276]

Yes, can't wait to see Drach and Ryan running around together, that'll be a good video.

[@colinsdad1]

HAHAHA! I was just flipping through comments and IMMEDIATELY spit up my coffee when I read your "Good to see Drach immersed in Boston Culture"- I'm a Central Massachusetts guy who remembers "trips behind the woodshed" to settle disputes in my Youth. As Bill Burr once said about Massachusetts folk "We are a fighty group, aren't we?"😂

[@ReclinedPhysicist]

Unfortunately, we're not likely to see one of the New Jersey's guns fired. Darn shame. Yeah it would break a few windows around the harbor. But it's a battleship. What do you expect?

[@adamdubin1276]

@@ReclinedPhysicist They might let him fire the Bofors that they restored, I know the ship uses a quad mount for salutes and celebrations.

[@chowardlaw8417]

chowardlaw Am pretty sure New Jersey has evening colors, even though she is no longer a commissioned USN vessel. Saluting guns are a trifle noisy, but hardly what you would get from a 16"/50 or even a 5"/38 (which wouldn't be used as saluting guns anyhow)

[@Elthenar]

That moment when Drach goes from a somewhat serious history buff to a kid on Christmas morning.

[@Chipster-cm1le]

I am a former crew member of Constitution, and have enjoyed this tour very much. Thanks Drach. I have fired the 40mm saluting batteries (one on each side), although when I was on her, the saluting batteries were the two most forward guns on the gundeck. I do not know when they got moved back aft but it is clearly safer than pointing the gun at the pier, which is what happens when the ship is moored bow in, and the foremost guns are pointed slightly forward of directly abeam (perpendicular to the ships keel) as you could see in the video of the gun deck, forward of the ships galley (the empty gunports second from the bow, on each side, were the ones we used to use). I spent two wonderful years on board, as a tour guide, and ships crew, performing maintenance and upkeep on the days when I was not on tour guide duty. I was assigned to the small boat maintenance area over in the main dockyard building, where the real work on keeping the ship floating happens. I was a member of the Captain's gig rowing crew, and took part in the Charles river regatta both years I was on board. Again, well done Drach, and thanks for the memories.

[@genesmolko8113]

Do they use black powder? How does it compare to charge used for normal firing of the cannon with shot?

[@Chipster-cm1le]

@@genesmolko8113 It is a black powder charge. and since the saluting battery is actually inserted into the massive 24 pounder long gun barrel, the ridiculous weight of the gun means that there is absolutely no recoil whatsoever. there is a mild thump heard throughout the lower decks, but that is it. big cloud of smoke and a decent bang, but nothing like a full charge would have been back in the day. I believe there is less than half a pound of black powder in the charge, compared to the several pounds that would have been used to fire a 24 pound ball. Like I said, it doesn't even move the carriage. At all.

[@genesmolko8113]

@@Chipster-cm1le Thanks very much, I would love to see a 24 pdr fired with a full charge, cannon ball and all. Must have been cool being a crew member of the Consti. Semper Paratus squidly ;)

[@NamVetBuck]

@@genesmolko8113 Semper Fi, puddle pirate ...LOL !

[@brgilbert2]

@@Chipster-cm1le Um, interesting fact you have passed on but that raises the question of "that" black powder charge for its diameter looks to be much smaller then the diameter of the barrel would be. Was an insert slid down the barrel to compensate for the smaller diameter of "that" charge? Or was that cannon, being a breach loader not an original or replica of an original cannon?

[@GreggGermain]

During your tour, you may have noticed a Traverse Board mounted on one of the after bulkheads. I made this for the USS Constitution for her 200th anniversary. It was made of wood taken from the ship during the refit prior to the 200th sail. I also built a chip log and 28 second sand glasses out of the same wood. They should be somewhere in the ship or museum.

[@garyreed6237]

Dude, you had an Epic Professional Honor. I bet you would have done that for free for the Old Girl wouldn't you?

[@GreggGermain]

@@garyreed6237 I did it for free. Wouldn't dream of charging them for it. But it was I who was honored: the day I delivered the traverse board, chip log and sand glasses, I was treated to lunch by the then-Captain of the Constitution, aboard the Constitution, in the Gunroom - the Captain's dining area just forward of the Captain's Quarters. It's a lunch I will never forget as long as I live.

[@garyreed6237]

Thank you for your service Sir. You are a Great American. That beautiful ship has a story. And if she could talk....

[@philgiglio7922]

@@garyreed6237 ...she does, in her logbooks

[@garyreed6237]

@@philgiglio7922 Yes, that she does. 225 years worth.

[@David-il9xw]

Born and bred in Boston and been three times to the Constitution, but never learned as much as today. Thanks so much, Drach.

[@MotoroidARFC]

Here here!

[@riff2072]

And I never go past the gun deck.

[@kenney5454]

Here Too!

[@riff2072]

@Ruska Just lucky, I guess.

[@wolfbyte3171]

I need to revisit her at some point, especially now that she's fully rigged.

[@adirondacker007]

Drach, I was amused to see you ended up being an accidental tour guide. The guests were quite fortunate. I'm an amateur warbird historian, and wind up in similar circumstances at airshows. It's wonderful being able to answer people's questions. Best regards and thank you so much for this video!

[@PaganWolf30]

she's also the oldest ship that's still in active duty. though she isn't used in conflicts anymore many us sailors will have the pleasure of sailing her during celebrations.

[@vipertwenty249]

Huge respect and thanks to the crew of the USS Constitution and the US Navy for the highly appreciated help and cooperation given to Drachinifel in the making of this video.

[@superdog1964]

I agree.Since the USA and Great Britain had the ability to put our past differences behind us and move forward, I would think it shows the world that anyone could? Both countries have been criticized for their actions over the years but I am certain the friendship between our countries and their citizens is a shining example of how diplomacy, cooperation and support can make the world a much better place to live.for everyone involved.

[@meaders2002]

@@superdog1964 It's useful that the language spoken in both countries has a common ancestor.

[@camenbert5837]

Naaaah, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer..."

[@milferdjones2573]

@@superdog1964 Yes but ending world wide open slavery Great Britain does deserve credit and the US helped a small bit in running down slave ships. Yes a good deal of blame can be offered but a good deal of credit is owed as well. And in most case Colonization better than what there before but of course in no way acceptable by modern standard. There are horrible exceptions to this comment of course like the Belgian Congo (although the cannibals probably deserved it as they made up part of the horrible abuse received) Before was steady war between local leaders and colonization created peace and stability and uniform laws and infrastructure improvements. Being treated as second class citizens in their own lands though of course wrong and colonization as i had been done had to end.

[@seanquigley3605]

Uhhhh, Drach....were there any sailors from the recruting station in Boston near by when you fired the gun? Naval regs state "Any persons who fires US Constitutions gun will have by that action vollenteered to join the US Navy." Congrats Drach your a Gunners mate striker now!!!

[@shawnmiller4781]

Showing once again why You’ve got to read those contract riders! There is important stuff in there not just removing the brown M&M’s

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Drach is British. The only thing he understands is a press gang!

[@gaychampagnesocialist7213]

@@panzerabwerkanone America is famous for stealing all the cool dudes we can, we'll steal him!

[@andrewryan4417]

@@panzerabwerkanone It's 1812 all over again... But in reverse.

[@garyreed6237]

Don't sweat it Drach. You may like being in the US Navy. Remember what they said in Britain during the War about us Yanks? Over paid, over sexed, and over here. 😁😁😁

[@arakheno4051]

Love that Drac stood by and respectfully until color's finished .. Even if he didn't know what/why (wouldn't surprised me that he did). He got to retire the colors for all 3. U.S. Navy here sir .. keep up the good work. /salute

[@DavidPalmer_blinder]

living here in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the past 14 years, i have to say i absolutely love hearing those guns twice a day! A little reminder of just how special and awesome my neighbor is!

[@stuartdollar9912]

A big part of the charm of the area, I'm sure.

[@colinsdad1]

The irony of an Englishman firing a salute from the USS Constitution is just delicious. That and the tourists thinking the BEST person to discuss USN armaments is an Englishman is even better!😂 Seriously, Thank You for doing this video- I couldn't get time off to see you in Boston, but, it was nice to meet you at Battleship Cove. As always, an exceptionally informative and entertaining episode!

[@JamesF0790]

I mean to be fair to be fair he might know more about it then some of the staff. Absolutely no slight on them but he is a naval historian.

[@pierowmania2775]

I can't wait for him to do a video about his visit to battleship cove. As an Illinois resident, I've actually been there several times. I highly recommend a visit.

[@colinsdad1]

@@JamesF0790 I ABSOLUTELY agree! It's just the juxtaposition of an Englishman presenting American armaments seems like a Python skit.

[@colinsdad1]

@@pierowmania2775 That's a HAUL to see Big Mamie!

[@JamesF0790]

@@colinsdad1 It really does doesn't it?

[@kumaflamewar6524]

ok i am massively jealous of the tourists who got an unscripted Drachinifel special on ammunition in the age of sail by sheer accident. Lucky sods.

[@edwardloomis887]

Great video. Two things: The Navy has a grove of oaks in Indiana where they grow trees that will become replacement parts for Constitution; when reveille is played in the morning, the colors rocket up whatever device that is holding them, and when the "Retreat" bugle call is played in the evening, the flag comes down ever so very slowly. Old Glory stands up must faster than she stands down.

[@yes_head]

I found the scene where Drach got to fire the saluting gun for evening colors as a guest of the US Navy, with the fanfare to honor fallen sailors, particularly moving for some reason. Cheers! 🍺

[@ExUSSailor]

As a former sailor, who isn't fond of heights, I can't imagine being in those fighting tops in any more than a light chop.

[@PhysicsGamer]

Especially since they wouldn't just be swaying with the waves and wind - consider how much they'd swing around from momentum alone!

[@jeebusk]

Sailing vessels are much more stable than modern ships, there's an equilibrium between the sails and the ballast/kheel.

[@dougearnest7590]

Indeed, I would definitely be the one with an "attitude problem".

[@donpfoutz625]

At last a British got to make the Constitution lower her colours. Oddly, this doesn't ruffle my patriotic feathers. This was very well presented and (personally) very educational. Thank you for your efforts, the love you have shows.

[@JamesF0790]

Enemies of the past allies of the future right?

[@yoburbrassbar8107]

Ah, but USS Constitution was in harbor docked/at anchor. Had she been underway, that ceremony would not have happened! A warship (and yes, Coast Guard Cutters are warships) does NOT lower her colors for anything, including Evening Colors.

[@RaderizDorret]

@@JamesF0790 Nah. More like a nice bit of poetry in that we WERE British at one point and had King George V and Parliament actually held to their end of the charters that established us as Crown Colonies in the first place, we wouldn't have felt it necessary to rebel against the Crown.

[@ZGryphon]

@@RaderizDorret George V reigned from 1910 to 1936, by which time the matter was _mostly_ settled. You're thinking of George III. :)

[@RaderizDorret]

@@ZGryphon D'oh!

[@ChrisHessert]

What a great tour! In 2nd grade (age 7yo), I had to get parental permission to check out a book about USS Constitution from our elementary school library (judged to be 5th grade reading material at the time). Reading that book triggered my life-long love of history and the sea. I have been aboard USS Constitution, but in 1970! Very cool to see you actively involved in evening Colors (I'm US Army, retired). Thank you!

[@OnASeasideMission]

A long time (Royal) Navy fiction reader, I made the USS Constitution my first stop on my first visit to Boston on my first visit to the USA. Being aboard the kind of ship that fought the Napoleonic and Anglo-American wars was a mind blowing experience. A work of art and a deadly piece of machinery.

[@roykliffen9674]

"A stiff morning breeze ruffles the hair of a British boarder on the upper deck of USS Constitution"

[@beyondsingularity]

Well, I think I just resolved the question of whether HMS Hood is a battlecruiser or a fast battleship - it has two masts thus it is a **brig**. You can give me the Nobel peace prize now.

[@greenflagracing7067]

having two masts means it's not a ship or ship rigged. a brig is a kind of rigging/sail plan on two masts. could also be a snow, brigantine, hermaphrodite brig, yawl, ketch, schooner or something similar.

[@Archangelm127]

You win the Internet for today, EV. Does that satisfy you?

[@Rune-Sage]

Captain Ironside would be proud.

[@bobbyd.3681]

Always knew there was something special about the USS Constitution that allowed her to prevail against her foes. Your ability to put her assets in prospective for us was greatly appreciated.

[@lukeleppla]

It’s a little known fact that the USS Constitution was once attended to by autonomous robots that routinely fought off scavengers until taking flight and landing on a nearby skyscraper. The whole ordeal was facilitated by one vault dweller that had been frozen for many years.

[@paulzaborny6741]

I remember that mission. Tough fight......... : )

[@zoomerboomer6834]

Ah! Good one. I was wondering when someone would post a reference to "Fallout 4".

[@fixman88]

*giggles*

[@ultraman5168]

Easily my favorite mission in that game.

[@christopheryoung3356]

As a Bostonian, I've had the privilege of going aboard USS Constitution many times, including during one of her periodic refits in drydock. I've also been on a harbor cruise during the firing of the salute cannon for evening colors. I'm envious that you got to fire the cannon, Drach, but what an honor that was. I have stood at Castle Island during many of Constitution's "turnaround" cruises and felt one of her salute shots thump me in the chest. Even from a few hundred yards away, you can definitely feel it. At her turnaround cruises, Constitution will fire a 21-gun salute at Fort Independence (Castle Island in South Boston ("Southie")) with a reply given by the same artillery battery that fires for the 1812 Overture for the Boston Pops 4th of July concert.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

One of the main reasons my next US tour will include Boston, if she's there. Sadly there aren't any ocean liners anymore with cheap tickets and flights across the atlantic are expensive AF... I can fly to Thailand from the EU for a few hundred bucks but US is like 1-2k minimum :(

[@davewitter6565]

Firing the gun brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Go Navy !

[@ronaldknight6653]

I toured Old Ironsides over 50 years ago with my mom. I went home with a Revell model which took me weeks to finish. That day stays with me vividly.

[@tonyg2595]

I also built a Revell model of the ship when I was young, would love to tour the ship. Wish I could find another Revell model to build.

[@OnASeasideMission]

That Revell Constitution was the last model I ever built and the only one whose instructions I read properly and painted every part accordingly. I kept it for years but can't remember what became of it.

[@cousin_x_caps7347]

I remember Drach telling us the story about the tourists asking about Constitution, despite the fact that he doesn’t work there, while he was aboard the USS Yorktown. It was the second funniest thing that day, only beaten by the air-soft story 😂. (I was the guy with the USS Enterprise CV-6 hat).

[@tyk.6406]

29:00 Britain, after more than two centuries and several notable defeats at the hands of this vessel, finally manages to commandeer the Constitution with what merely appears to be a presentation on ammunition. As this is a role typically filled by active duty US Navy sailors it is quite clear this will no longer be the case until the vessel is returned to her rightful owners. Edit: Here at the end of the video now, I just want to thank you for maintaining a respectful silence during evening colors. Firing a salute from one of Connie's guns must have awakened some boyish excitement (It certainly would for myself.), so I genuinely aprreciate your respect for ceremony and tradition.

[@jacktattis]

Two actually that can be classed as great victories however she ran and hid from anything of equal or more guns Unlike the HMS Shannon or the HMS Endylion who put paid to the USS Chesapeake and the USS President And heaven forbid she would never have faced a Razee

[@eliquate]

About to see this absolute legend in about an hour. Shout out to my wife, who doesn’t REALLY care about ships (because she served in the coast guard) but is taking me there for my birthday because she rules!!

[@pmchamlee]

Spectacular! I, as a retired USAF First Sergeant thank you heartily for keeping our traditions alive!

[@fouraces9137]

That's so awesome how they treated you, the access you got and who wouldn't want to pull that handle and hear BOOM :) Enjoyed it bunches thanks Drach

[@sreif78]

Epic! Did you get to keep the casing? Glad they rolled out the red carpet. To have your name in the log, what an honor to carry. A tribute to your incredible efforts and contributions as a Naval Historian

[@Isolder74]

That’s just asking to be arrested going through customs.

[@IkesThePyro]

@@Isolder74 for a casing? Highly doubt it.

[@Isolder74]

@@IkesThePyro You haven't seen some of the news story involving airports lately. Even if they let you do it it wouldn't be worth the headache.

[@robertf3479]

@@Isolder74 Ship it separately, don't try to carry it in your luggage.

[@JackDrinkn2DollarJim]

They probably reload them for future re-use.

[@ryann6067]

Great presentation @Drachinifel thanks for producing this video. It was great fun watching it and also seeing so many enthusiastic responses. Constitution is a magnificent ship. Ive grown up on her through visiting her and the Charlestown Navy Yard over countless visits over decades now. I was even on her when she actually sailed under her own sail power in 1997. She was heeled over a bit and reached a nice 7 knot clip in the harbor. It was glorious to stand on her as the wind carried her that day. Thank the full-time professional civilian Naval History Heritage and Command Detachment Boston crew for their ongoing and continuous maintenance, restoration, and repair of the ship for all. They are responsible for keeping her afloat and as we see her today.

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

its so cool to see a ship that fought in the early 1800's thats still commissioned and still has an active duty US navy crew operating it

[@SilverSquirrel]

I took a tour of the Constitution and noticed that the lower deck guns had the British Crown on them. I asked if the guns were captured and the guide told me that they had been cast by using a captured gun to make the molds and that's why they still had British markings. I thought that was an interesting detail. Great video.

[@ynptrip]

Thats like how the russians copied a stolen B-29, right down to extra rivet holes caused by manufacturing errors.

[@donsimon4419]

Drach, Loved the entire episode, especially your impromptu demonstration regarding age of sail ammunition. Something similar happened to me in 1989, when serving as a US Navy lieutenant I had the honor of being the re-enlisting officer for one of my chief petty officers. The ceremony was conducted aboard Constitution by the taffrail, and many of the tourists thought we were part of the tour! The year prior my wife (she's from Surrey) and I were married, and we had friends come over from England for the ceremony. We had time to tour Constitution prior to their flight out of Logan Airport, and they couldn't help but remark how it was "Bloody unsporting of us Yanks" to use some English made 24 pounders during the War of 1812...

[@kristoffermangila]

Queen Elizabeth II probably though the same thing when she toured the Constitution in the 1980s and resulted in her jest to her late husband Prince Philip about talking to her ministers at the time to "do something about those foreign arms sales".

[@Lairo76]

The lecture with the tourists totally reminds me of Ian from Forgotten Weapons, when he went on a Battlefield tour in France and ended up giving an impromptu lecture to tourists on a tour bus.

[@plantfeeder6677]

That was so cool. I had tears watching this. America's sailing navy was a source of pride for our young nation. Our sailors could hold their own against anyone and our ship builders set the standard others sought to copy. Great video. Looks exactly like I remember when I stood on her deck 58 years ago. Imagine if the U.S.S. Iowa fired a salute at sunset. The Naval Air Base in Lemoore would here it.

[@andrewreynolds9371]

judging from the tone of your voice, I'm not sure which one you enjoyed more: firing the evening salute, or having the honor of signing your name to the book of gunners about USS Constitution. either way, I'm glad you had the chance to walk the deck of another age-of-sail ship that had seen service.

[@gregoblv5561]

When I was in boot camp in 1976 a member of our company got orders to the Constitution. I was a great honor for a new recruit. Thank you for the tour.

[@thanksfernuthin]

I'm from New England and a class trip to Old Ironsides was common. I thought it was really cool but just a local celebrity. I later found out what a major figure she is in the history of sailing. I shed some tears watching the canon shot. We never want to forget those that sacrificed all to protect us and our way of life.

[@macgyver5108]

Hey Drac! Something most probably overlook when it comes to how Old Ironsides was so strong is actually the WOOD she was made from! Mind you, after many years of naval production, the British Isles had been pretty well picked over for the "best trees" to use for large shipbuilding lumber. Built in the New World full of virgin forests, the Constitution was built from a "candy store" of very old growth trees with EXCEPTIONALLY tight and dense wood grain due to what's called "The Little Ice Age" from roughly the 16th to the 19th centuries.

[@tacticalmanatee]

Huzzah! Good to see her on here. I got to visit her during her last refit when they were re-doing her copper sheathing, and they were inviting people to engrave their names on the sheets of copper to be put on. My signature is on her hull somewhere.

[@adamdubin1276]

That is awesome, how many people are actually allowed to leave their mark on a piece of history (and not given a massive fine or jail time with a lifetime ban)

[@ganave]

Ah neat! My name is on there as well! Was about 4 or 5 years ago if memory serves.

[@marvindebot3264]

That's, pretty dang cool.

[@johnaustin704]

I'm envious of the tourists who got the college level lecture about the age of sail shot and armaments! Way to go, Drach!! 😊

[@paulgracey4697]

Though descended from Bostonians, I have never had the opportunity to visit her, though have seen her from afar. Thanks, especially for the last bit firing the saluting cannon. I served in the U.S Navy in 1961-4 aboard a modern Missile Frigate, DLG-11. If you note the dates, you will realize I was aboard when President kennedy was assassinated. I still have two of the 40mm saluting shell casings from our ship's 24 hourly salutes at anchor in Yokusuka, Japan. The sounds of evening colors aboard U.S.S. Constitution are still quite nostalgic this many years onward.

[@DenmarkRadar]

U.S. Navy really delivering the goods here. As always a very informative, impressive, and fun video. Thanks!

[@christophermancini7380]

Drach, thank you so much for posting this! Wow, if this is how the rest of your tour of American museum ships went, we certainly are certainly in for quite a treat! What a thrill that must of been to fire the evening salute!

[@burger_person115]

Most hilarious thing ever you literally posted this while I was on the train to get to the constitution for work lol

[@Drachinifel]

Let the crew know a package is incoming for them 😀

[@marvindebot3264]

What did you send them mate?@@Drachinifel

[@gregusmc2868]

Great video. I’m a historian and veteran of the USMC (so part of the Navy-insert joke here-“Only good Marine is a submarine!” Yes, the Marines are a department of the Navy…the MEN’S Department! Lol) I just wanted to thank you for sharing this video with us folks who don’t get around as much as they used to. Really fascinating to take a virtual tour and you’re a great “guide.” I remember in ‘76, when the US had that day where the harbor was FULL of ships. Can’t remember if that was near the 4th and part of our bicentennial celebration or what but I’m sure someone out there knows what I am talking about!? Thanks again for sharing this with us! Best wishes. ❤️🫡👍🏼

[@cherylcourtney1960]

I was fortunate to have been able to tour this ship with a group of history teachers. It was amazing.

[@hunterlabbe6668]

I got to participate in evening colors onboard her 6 years ago, she’s a beautiful ship.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Super awesome that they brought you in to serve as a gunners mate! You're in good company.

[@francisclough710]

Your 5 Best I think that H.M.S.Victory and U.S.S. Constitution should be what an a. b. Kind they are both age of sail they are here and from there

[@colormedubious4747]

I am quite pleased that you came here to experience our nation's rich naval heritage in person, and while seriously rocking the Bond villain look!

[@Anamericanhomestead]

I don't get to watch and complete that many of your videos but this one I enjoyed from start to finish. Thank you!

[@donjones4719]

11:00 The main reason for drawing off to perform repairs before accepting a defeated foe's surrender isn't to repair hull damage in a ship like this but to repair damage to the rigging. USS Constitution was much less prone to significant hull damage but her rigging was as exposed as anyone else's.

[@Moredread25]

Constitution is so cool. Boston is really lucky to have her.

[@auggieeast]

It was built in Boston, so why should it be anywhere else?

[@Moredread25]

@@auggieeast she could just as easily not exist at all anymore as be in Boston.

[@auggieeast]

@@Moredread25 This is true.

[@justinjwolf]

Visited the ship a couple years ago with kids in tow. This was a much more in depth visit than I was able to get onboard. Thank you!

[@frankbodenschatz173]

What a great honor for both the crews! Don't know how I missed this episode but a brilliant one and loved the ammo explanation.

[@Chesirecat111]

When my son was about ten years old, I entered my name in a lottery for tix to be guests aboard Old Ironsides as it was turned, as it is twice annually so that the sides wear evenly at its dock. We won the tix, and were aboard as it was towed out across Boston Harbor to Castle Island, where it exchanged a salute before returning to its dock. It’s such a special memory of when my son was younger.

[@b.w.22]

My goodness, the bit at the end brought a bit of a tear to my eye. Well done, man.

[@Constance_tinople]

god I love this ship and the personnel aboard helping out and being so kind as to allow us all a greater learning experience with her :)

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

I am 65, a retired Merchant Marine sailor, love your show. I grew up not far from the Constitution. I was 7 years old and I read my first book on the history of the USS Constitution. I had metal book ends back then and they were made from some other metal parts from the constitution. My dad was a huge fan of sailing and particularly of racing his 37 foot sloop every wednesday. I remember I was watching the USS Constitution in her refit and a flat bed truck pulled into the yard with this huge tree lying on the flat bed. It was 5 feet in diameter at least. Being a tree lover I saw that the restoration of the Constitution as a beautiful and justifiable expenditure of the before mentioned tree. So 5 feet in diameter and 100 feet long. It needs to be mentioned that the tree was over hanging the bed of the truck by 20 feet with it`s obligatory flag on the end of the tree.

[@mcblaggart8565]

That is such a pretty ship. Centuries old, and still fully functional. Things last if you take care of them.

[@sgtbrendan289]

I was there with my family a several years ago. I had expressed an interest to our tour guide ( a Petty Officer 2) to see the raked ribs that are a hallmark of a Humphrey's build frigate. That sharp raking of the ribs is what held up the bow and stern, allowing for the the hydrodynamic hull, as well as the large weight of shot. After the tour, he brough be down to the keel, and I got to see a lot of the same things shown in this video ( not the magazine though :( ) Excellent video.

[@lhaviland8602]

1:44 As a New Englander I feel the need to point out that Boston is actually at a latitude only slightly north of Rome. The gulf stream "shifts" Europe's climate zones north by several degrees.

[@MosBikeShop]

Yeah, England is north of Newfoundland. Off to play with e globe :)

[@SwiftTrooper5]

It's heartwarming to see The X Men's Cyclops get into naval history. And sport a dapper beard and accent!

[@MendTheWorld]

You’ve inspired me to get back to finishing my Revelle model of the Constitution that has been sitting for several years an ignominious state of partial completion. Thanks for the rousing kick in the pants!!! 🎇😮 Fantastic video!! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@jackray1337]

Thank you for this video. That was a great end that the USN allowed you to participate in. Thank you to Gunner's Mate Second Class Neves for the demonstration.

[@randyhavard6084]

The rigging is what fascinates me the most. The fact that it's so complicated and there would be dozens of sailors that have to know exactly what they are doing all working together, and expected to do it in bad weather and while being fired at by dozens of cannons from an enemy ship.

[@frankgulla2335]

Okay, everyone else is telling Old Ironside's stories. When I was about 5-6 and my brother 2 years younger (~195-57) my Dad got us on board during a minor renovation and I have a picture of the two of us standing next to the ship's wheel. I can barely reach the upper handles. Years, when in college, I was amazed at how much the ship's wheel had shrunk. Thanks for a great tour, Drach. You did a nice job and it seems the crew appreciated it. There was a time when the crew was in period uniforms, but I could not tell when anymore.

[@yaldabaoth2]

Drach at 2:00 "Yes, I am cosplaying as a corporate muscle from your favorite dystopian sci-fi franchise, what about it?"

[@ifga16]

To be accurate, numerous British ship captains did board USS Constitution. Captains of HMS Java, HMS Guerriere etc.

[@ZER0ZER0SE7EN]

Right, but not quite under the circumstances that they had hoped!

[@andrewallen9993]

Well the USS Constitutions captain was wise enough not to pick a fight with the smaller and lighter armed HMS Shannon.

[@Archangelm127]

I don't think "boarding a ship" and "being brought aboard a ship" are quite the same thing. ^_^

[@stvdagger8074]

Captain Lambert of HMS Java died in action, so he did not board the Constitution.

[@jacktattis]

Now tell me when the Mighty Constitution went looking to take on any ship with equal or more Guns, She never did, against weaker foe very good against equal of better foe we will never know .

[@rjinnh3933]

I visited the US Constitution in the mid 50s when I was 12 or 13 and again in the mid 70s when freinds from our Air Force days visited. I remember the first visit as if it was last week. Even as a youngster, I was thoroughly impressed with the massive Oak Ribs running from the Gunnels to the Keel, the masts, rigging and Oak Decking.

[@leonardaltig]

That was very entertaining. Thank you. Having been in the U.S. Navy for 20 Years I have always heard of the USS Constitution but have not been to Boston Harbor to see it up close. Again Thank YOU.

[@kavemanthewoodbutcher]

Brought a tear to my eye watching you signal colors. Carry on, Drach!

[@lancerevell5979]

I was able to tour Old Ironsides in July 1984. My Navy ship spen a few days around Independence Day in Boston Harbor. We also watched them take her out into the harbor and turn her around, to even out the hull wear.

[@GearGuardianGaming]

i hope im not the only one who misread your comment as 1894. awesome you got to watch her move, even if it wasnt out to sea.

[@jehl1963]

@@GearGuardianGaming Back around the time of Old Iron Sides 200th birthday, she did put to sea under her own sail power. She sailed from outside Boston Harbor up to Salem and back (under reduced sail) as part of her turning around.

[@briannicholas2757]

Being from Maine, in New England, I've been aboard USS Constitution 3 times and always thoroughly enjoy the visit. For the longest time, I would enter the lottery to get a ticket for her Independence Day (July 4th) harbor cruise. Unfortunately I never was selected, and after being diagnosed with a tumor in my head and neck which causes a left side deficit, I stopped putting my name in. Constitution is not the place for a crippled up old man. Lol. Better the ticket goes to some young lad or lass who will remember it for the rest of their lives. It would be fantastic if you could work out a plan with the Captain and crew to record while she is under sail. It would be an absolutely unique and amazing video presentation, showing everyone, and posterity, how a fully rigged 18th/19th century man of War operates under sail. I'm betting the US Navy's public relations section would be amenable to the idea, great PR for the oldest, active duty, sailing warship in the world.

[@garyreed6237]

Loved that line about a British guy finally successfully boarding Constitution Drach.

[@jesperbecker6412]

Drach never stops to amaze me, hearing him referring to bar fights has shine a whole new light over him, the old brawler Drach 😉 As always an awsome video 😍

[@rogersmith7396]

"We have something special for you". I'm thinking honorary keel hauling for the limey.

[@genericuser9653]

My brother is currently a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Constitution. Awesome ship!

[@pistol3333]

Imagine bumping into this dude while touring an old ship and accidentally getting a university quality lecture.

[@williamcarter1993]

I love you and your videos. I really do. They're educational and your voice is soothing. I have no clue where/how I found your channel but as someone who is heavily into naval things, I am so glad it exists. Keep doing all these videos and make sure to stay safe out there!

[@terrancecoard388]

OMG...I grinned like a Cheshire cat when the gun went off so I can just imagine what a thrill that was for you!! That is the cutest tug boat ever!

[@thomasmoore8142]

Thanks Drach, I have a feeling that people will be watching your videos 300 years from now!

[@ryebread095]

When I visited Boston years ago, I got to participate in a cannon firing drill with some other tourists. One of the sailors was commanding us on the gun deck and we mock fired and reloaded one of the starboard guns. Jealous you actually got to fire one though. Great video!

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

Makes me happy they provided you with such an honor. This shows the respect you enjoy in the historical community.

[@TomSedgman]

Imagine if Drach cosplayed as Henry Hope and boarded in full uniform, only to then present the guide as if nothing was different.

[@jihadslowpoke]

Honestly, I'm digging the Adam Jensen look he's rocking when he's topside.

[@sawyerawr5783]

I'd have gone with Hornblower honestly: see how long he can get away with it before the old lady just violently rejects him XD

[@charlestortise5344]

Great to see. I have a direct ancestor fought aboard HMS SHANNON and was present when we captured USS CHESAPEAKE, Midshipman William Smith. He was in the foretop and when away boarders was sounded he ran across Shannon's yardarm and into the foretop aboard Chesapeake, cleared the remaining survivors out with his cutlass having been sniping with muskets before and then descended to the deck to join in the capture. Master and Commander is based on Captain Broke of HMS SHANNON and is a good representation.