What is currently the oldest U.S. Navy commissioned vessel?

The USS Constitution is recognized as the oldest commissioned vessel in the U.S. Navy, with a rich history dating back to its launch in 1797. As a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate, it served during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides" due to its resilience in battle. The USS Constitution remains afloat today and is a symbol of the Navy's storied past, maintained by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The other vessels listed have their own significance and history, but none can claim the title of being the oldest commissioned vessel. For example, the USS Constellation, while also historic, was not launched until 1854 and is often confused with another ship of the same name, which had been dismantled. The USS Enterprise, which refers to several ships over the years, was commissioned during the 20th century, with the most famous being the aircraft carrier that served from 1961 to 2012. The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, is a nuclear aircraft carrier and part of a more modern class of naval vessels. In contrast, the Constitution's legacy as a surviving 18th-century ship significantly