Posted: 10/01/2011
BOSTON (Oct. 21, 2011) USS Constitution fires a 17-gun salute toward the United States Coast Guard Station Sector Boston to celebrate its 214th launching day anniversary. Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald)