The Most Iconic Ships in US Navy History

The United States Navy has a rich history filled with legendary ships that played pivotal roles in major conflicts and technological advancements. Two such ships, USS Constitution and USS Enterprise, stand out as iconic vessels that have shaped the course of naval warfare and contributed significantly to American history. Let's explore the remarkable journeys of these ships.

The Legacy of USS Constitution

USS Constitution, often referred to as "Old Ironsides," is one of the most celebrated ships in US Navy history. Built in 1798, this 44-gun heavy frigate served the United States Navy for over two centuries. Her first notable contribution came during the Quasi-War where she captured the French 24-gun sailing ship Niger and recaptured the stolen merchant ship Amelia. During the First Barbary War, she negotiated with the British ship of the line Donegal, narrowly avoiding a gunfight and participating in the bombardment of Tripoli Harbor.

USS Constitution's most famous deeds were during the War of 1812, where she secured five major British warships. These victories included sinking the 38-gun frigates HMS Guerriere and HMS Java, and capturing the 14-gun schooner HMS Pictou as part of the Marblehead blockade. She also played a crucial role in capturing multiple merchant ships and another 20-gun schooner, HMS Cyane, and HMS Levant. These feats earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides."

After the War of 1812, USS Constitution continued to serve in various peacetime missions and visits to foreign harbors. She remained afloat during the American Civil War but did not participate in combat. In 1917, decisions were made to preserve USS Constitution as a museum ship in Boston, where she continues to be fully operational and capable of sailing. This concludes my initial discussion on the age of sail era, as it is beyond my primary expertise.

USS Enterprise: A Pioneer in Naval Airpower

The USS Enterprise is recognized as the most successful warship in history, boasting an impressive record during World War II. Commissioned in 1938, she saw four years of continuous combat between 1941 and 1945. During this time, she led six devastating US Navy victories, most notably at the Battle of Midway, where she sank the Japanese aircraft carriers Akagi, Kaga, and Hiryu, and contributed to the sinking of heavy cruiser Mikuma.

USS Enterprise's history is filled with heroic moments. At the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, she survived three bomb hits. At the Battle of Santa Cruz, she endured two direct hits. Later, at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, she successfully sank heavy cruiser Kinugasa and assisted in the sinking of battlecruiser Hiei and several troop ships. She also completed air raids, sinking multiple Japanese vessels such as destroyers Naganami, Hamanami, and Wakatsuki during the Battle of Ormoc Bay.

Throughout 1943, USS Enterprise engaged in smaller air raids and fought in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where at least 400 Japanese aircraft were destroyed. In October 1944, she played a vital role in sinking the Japanese “super battleship” Musashi and secured significant victories over Japanese aircraft carriers, destroyers, and battleships. Despite surviving numerous engagements, including the Battle of Okinawa where she took two kamikaze attacks, she emerged victorious and remained in service into the 1960s before being sold for scrap.

Conclusion

The legacy of USS Constitution and USS Enterprise is a testament to the enduring impact of American naval prowess. These ships embody the spirit of patriotic service and technological innovation, marking significant chapters in both the age of sail and the era of modern naval warfare. Their stories continue to inspire and educate those interested in American military history and the development of naval doctrine.