PDA

View Full Version : Marines Onboard The USS Constitution



thedrifter
04-27-04, 06:27 AM
MARINES ONBOARD THE USS CONSTITUTION

During the Bicentennial Salute a compliment of 30 Marines was
assigned to USS Constitution, performing duties associated with
the traditional mission of a shipboard Marine detachment, to
include ship's security, shipboard training, and conducting
morning and evening colors.

USS Constitution has a rich history, as do the Marines who
served aboard her since the first detachment of six Marines
arrived at the Boston Navy Yard in the early 1800s to safeguard
supplies. The Marines have been an integral part of the ship's
heritage.

At the time USS Constitution was launched in 1797, there was
no formal Marine Corps. Lt. Lemuel Clark commanded the first 55 Marines assigned to USS Constitution. The following year, on July 11, 1798, Congress established the Marine Corps. After
distinguished service in battles with the French around the turn
of the 19th century, Marines fought aboard USS Constitution
against the Barbary States. It was during that time that Lt.
Presley O'Bannon, the Shores of Tripoli, (and later) the Halls of
Montezuma were immortalized in Marine Corps lore.

The first Marines to see action in the War of 1812 were
aboard "Old Ironsides." U.S. Marines were involved in one of USS Constitution's most celebrated victories against the British
warship, Guerriere. Another of USS Constitution's famous victories came against the British warships Cyane and Levant off the coast of Portugal. The Marine detachment at the time was commanded by Capt. Archibald “The Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps” Henderson, today recognized as one of the Corps greatest leaders and well-known Commandants.

As indicated by these victories, the Navy and Marine Corps
share a rich and proud heritage, dating to the time that USS
Constitution first sailed. Those traditions and the core values
that defined the Marines then are still evident. "Old Ironsides"
was clearly a ship that was ahead of her time. She serves as a link to the technologies and capabilities that our Navy and Marine Corps currently demonstrate. Like its predecessors 200 years ago, today's Navy and Marine Corps team can prevent a crisis, deter potential aggressors and display determination and resolve through "Forward Presence from the Sea."

The former Marine Barracks in Charlestown Navy Yard, now
operated by the National Park Service is where the Marines stay when assigned to Constitution. It was the oldest Marine Barracks


During the Bicentennial Salute a compliment of 30 Marines was
assigned to USS Constitution, performing duties associated with
the traditional mission of a shipboard Marine detachment, to
include ship's security, shipboard training, and conducting
morning and evening colors.

USS Constitution has a rich history, as do the Marines who
served aboard her since the first detachment of six Marines
arrived at the Boston Navy Yard in the early 1800s to safeguard
supplies. The Marines have been an integral part of the ship's
heritage.

At the time USS Constitution was launched in 1797, there was
no formal Marine Corps. Lt. Lemuel Clark commanded the first 55 Marines assigned to USS Constitution. The following year, on July 11, 1798, Congress established the Marine Corps. After
distinguished service in battles with the French around the turn
of the 19th century, Marines fought aboard USS Constitution
against the Barbary States. It was during that time that Lt.
Presley O'Bannon, the Shores of Tripoli, (and later) the Halls of
Montezuma were immortalized in Marine Corps lore.

The first Marines to see action in the War of 1812 were
aboard "Old Ironsides." U.S. Marines were involved in one of USS Constitution's most celebrated victories against the British
warship, Guerriere. Another of USS Constitution's famous victories came against the British warships Cyane and Levant off the coast of Portugal. The Marine detachment at the time was commanded by Capt. Archibald “The Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps” Henderson, today recognized as one of the Corps greatest leaders and well-known Commandants.

As indicated by these victories, the Navy and Marine Corps
share a rich and proud heritage, dating to the time that USS
Constitution first sailed. Those traditions and the core values
that defined the Marines then are still evident. "Old Ironsides"
was clearly a ship that was ahead of her time. She serves as a link to the technologies and capabilities that our Navy and Marine Corps currently demonstrate. Like its predecessors 200 years ago, today's Navy and Marine Corps team can prevent a crisis, deter potential aggressors and display determination and resolve through "Forward Presence from the Sea."

The former Marine Barracks in Charlestown Navy Yard, now
operated by the National Park Service is where the Marines stay when assigned to Constitution. It was the oldest Marine Barracks

Ellie