Old Ironsides The Fighting Constitution Author:Harry Hansen When the U.S.S. Constitution was launched in 1797, she was hailed as a symbol of a struggling young nation and its tiny navy. Today, after a long and gallant career as a fighting ship, "Old Ironsides," as she is affectionately called, remains a monument to the courage of American fighting men at sea. This is the story of the proud ship that Amer... more »icans honor above all others.« less