191209-N-YT019-0058 BOSTON (Dec. 7, 2019) Cmdr. Nathaniel Shick, commanding officer of USS Constitution, addresses childeren before the annual tree lighting ceremony on the spar deck of USS Constitution. Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. Designated America's Ship of State, Constitution and its crew engage in community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval power to more than 500,000 visitors each year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Samoluk/Released)