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Post Constitution Cruise report (long).

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/04/2006 : 21:07:32

Hello all.

I am happy to report the successful completion of the training cruise aboard the USS Constitution. It was certainly an adventure of epic proportions for this sailor. When we arrived, we assembled in the press room at Boston Logan APT. A quick muster was taken and we were off. They bussed us to the police dock where a couple of landing craft were waiting for us. We were shuttled across Boston harbor to the Charlestown Navy Yard. We had an indoctrination, dinner and mustered for colors. We were soon to find out that Old Ironsides fires a cannon Twice a day! The sound nearly knocked over a few people.

We had 1 hour to separate into 10 “gun teams”, set up a watch bill, and find organized sleeping arraignments. There were only 150 of us on board and the berthing deck was cramped. A true luxury from the fighting manning of 450 people. It was lights out at 2200 and I was up again for a 2300-0100 watch. Walking around it was awesome to see the old ship alive again. 150 strangers from around the world were suddenly a “crew”. I was very happy to only have 1 watch for the week. Revile came at an all too early 0400.

Today had us needing to have the ship ready for sea by 0500. That is 150 people shaved , dressed, and all gear stowed! We had no problem. 0500-0600 was breakfast. It was traditional (modern) fare served offsite because no food is allowed on the ship. 0600-0700 was marching training. 0700-0800 was ship field day. Lots of brightwork to shine. Morning was spent marching around Boston. Our stops included the North end church and a tour of the crypt vault. After lunch we went to a Military hospital home. We had many community projects including my own version of the show “dirty jobs”. I had to clean out fry-grease storage room. It had about an inch of grease on all sides and took several hours to get clean. After dinner we broke down into gun teams to start practice firing the 24# guns. These things weigh 5500# and it takes about 10 people to operate. Very cool stuff.

Wed brought sun and some warmth. This was the big day for marching. We did about 10 miles. We stopped at the Homeless Veterans home to serve lunch. It was very nice to help bring some cheer to those who have served. The home is a comprehensive facility that brings people back to society. After the march back, we did a couple of hours of sail training. The sails are huge. They weigh up to 1100 lbs and the other pieces can add up to a couple of thousand lbs. This is very serious business.

Thurs had us marching again (surprise), sail training, gun training and a formal dinner.

Fri had us pack up and get ready for sea. We got Old Ironsides under way at 1000. For a ship this big, you had to look over the side to see the movement. We put our training to use and soon had 3 sails up and on a close reach. The ship was heeling about 5 degrees. The gun competition kicked off with the gun teams competing for the best time. My team took 2nd place with a time of 31 sec.
As we turned to a beam reach, the topsails were hoisted. We were now making 3 knots and having a great time. We sailed to edge of Boston harbor and turned around. As we neared downtown, we fired a 21 gun salute. I was honored to attend and made the best of it. It was awesome to connect with such a historic icon. Here are a few pictures of the adventure.

Tom.

Here is a short video.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3516307774348610726

PO of 1988 Wing HN 5775
"Cote d'Azure"
Fleet 25

Edited by - atgep on 09/04/2006 21:39:20

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2006 : 06:40:39

Wow, that is incredible stuff. Great video too. Thanks for sharing.

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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2006 : 08:00:39

Tom, what a fantastic opportunity! I suspect I'm not the only person who's green with envy.

For what it's worth -- nothing -- my father ran away from home in 1917, lied about his age, and was the youngest American sailor in WW 1. As an apprentice seaman, his first ship was the USS Constellation, decked over and docked in Baltimore harbor, to learn his marlinspike seamanship. They then thought that the Connie was the sistership to the Constitution -- a few years ago a keel-to-masthead restoration revealed she was in fact the last all-sail ship built for the US Navy in 1853, a sloop-of-war replacing the original frigate. Attempts in the early 20th century to make her over into the frigate for PR purposes nearly destroyed the ship by stressing the frame.

So that some of us might not just live vicariously through your adventure, how does the Navy choose who gets to crew the annual turn-the-boat-around-and-let-the-sun-hit-the-other-side voyage?

Brooke

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2006 : 18:31:17

An adventure of a lifetime! Is it safe to assume that your 150 crew members were Boot Chiefs?

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Admin
Forum Admin

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460 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2006 : 19:18:40

AWESOME!!!

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2006 : 19:47:29

TOO COOL!! I'm always amazed at how team work can much such a difference. You know I've been reading some of Patrick O'Brian's books so it's intresting to hear you say how crowded and noisy it is. BTW, did you get your ration of grog?
Hope all is well with you and yours,

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