BOSTON (Oct. 22, 2021) USS Constitution is underway during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship. 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. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Skyler Okerman)