Sailors from aboard the historic USS Constitution shared a bit of naval history with students at Ross Theater, Great Lakes during a presentation on Sept. 12.
    Students learned about the USS Constitution’s construction and its importance during the War of 1812.
    The U.S.S. Constitution is the nation’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and played a significant role in the War of 1812. The Navy is celebrating the 200th anniversary of that war this year and even made a rare sail out into Boston Harbor from her berth at Charlestown Navy Yard in August.
    “We teach not only the history of the ship, but how the establishment of the Navy led up to the war of 1812 and how the war basically made our navy a full-time necessity for our country,” OS3 Keith Murray, stationed on the USS Constitution, said. “The depth and level of information we teach are not covered in most history books as the War of 1812 tends gets glossed over.”
    The 44-gun USS Constitution was built in Boston and launched on Oct. 21, 1797. It was developed and built in response to the threat of Barbary Corsairs, which threatened American merchant shipping off northern coast of Africa. Following the American Revolution, the United States’ Continental Navy disbanded, leaving the new nation without a credible sea power to defend its interests abroad. The Naval Armament Act called for the construction of six frigates, to be built at shipyards along the eastern seaboard.
    “The USS Constitution is a magnificent vessel. It’s a piece of our naval heritage and history,” Capt. Peter Lintner, commanding officer, TSC, said. “If you get a chance to visit Boston, this is a can’t-miss item. As active duty military, you’ll get a special tour and get to see things the general public doesn’t get to see.”