BOSTON (Dec. 8, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Joanna

BOSTON (Dec. 8, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Joanna Medina poses with her gingerbread house during a holiday event at USS Constitution. USS Constitution, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ship’s mission of promoting the Navy’s history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. (U.S. Navy Photo by Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michelle Heintzelman/Released)