USS Constitution Enters Dry Dock for Restoration

The world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat is no longer afloat after entering dry dock May 19 for a planned multi-year restoration.

USS Constitution, eased into historic Dry Dock 1 at Charlestown Navy Yard Boston National Historical Park with the help and coordination of a large team of stakeholders including the ship’s crew, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Naval History and Heritage Command’s Maintenance Detachment Boston, USS Constitution Museum, and the National Park Service.

Cmdr. Sean Kearns, USS Constitution’s 73rd commanding officer, said:

We’re now positioned to carry out the restoration work which will return Constitution to the water preserving her for the next generation of Americans to enjoy and learn about our nation’s great naval heritage.

Since entering service in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 21, 1797, Constitution, undefeated in combat, remains a commissioned U.S. Navy warship. However, since 1907, the ship has been on display opening her decks to the public. According to Naval History and Heritage Command Director Sam Cox, that mission is an important one.

This restoration will last more than two years and marks the first time Constitution will have been dry docked since 1992. The work of this restoration will include:
– replacing lower hull planking and caulking,
– removing the 1995 copper sheathing and replacing it with 3,400 sheets of new copper that will protect the ship’s hull below the waterline,
– replacement of select deck beams,
– on-going preservation and repair of the ship’s rigging, upper masts, and yards.

The estimated cost of the restoration is expected to be $12 million to $15 million and is part of the ongoing care and maintenance the ship receives.

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Image: US Navy