Lottery winners sail in the USS Constitution for Independence Day

The world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat sailed through Boston Harbor for an annual Independence Day celebration. The schedule of festivities included the USS Constitution departing from Charlestown Navy Yard on Thursday morning and firing a 21-gun salute during the tour. The commander of the USS Constitution held a lottery for members of the public to win an invitation to sail on the ship during the tour, according to the USS Constitution Museum.

What is the history of the USS Constitution? The ship was launched in 1797 in Boston Harbor, according to the USS Constitution Museum. The ship was given the nickname “Old Ironsides” after its crew won a battle against a British naval crew during the War of 1812. The ship’s thick oaken hull stood up against a broadside fired by the British ship, according to the museum.

Where is the ship now? The USS Constitution is now inside the Boston National Historical Park as part of the Charlestown Navy Yard and open to the public for visits, according to the U.S. Navy. Three officers and about 80 U.S. Navy sailors serve as the ship’s crew, according to the USS Constitution Museum’s website. This is the ship’s third sailing this year.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report in The Sift on a former U.S. Navy commander facing bribery and conspiracy charges.