USS Constitution Turn and Salute 17 May 2024

[Sedalia Dave]

 

 

 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

We had a civilian chef in the Marine Barracks at Seal Beach.  Some of the Marines got to riding him when it was discovered that had been in the Navy.  "Hey, Bill, when you were in the ships were made of wood and the sailors were made of iron."

 

He told them that he was a chef on Old Ironsides.  Yeah.  Right!

 

Then he brought in pictures of him and a bunch of crew men who had been picked to go on a cruise on U. S. S. Constitution back in the 1950's era.  I don't recall his last name but his first two were William Tell.

[Subdeacon Joe]

Ready, FIRE!

(Timing)

"If he wasn't guilty he wouldn't be here- Fire!"

 

"Hanging's too good for him, throw the louse out -FIRE!"

 

I see that they use a very reduced charge.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

5 hours ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

 

I see that they use a very reduced charge.

Salutes always use a reduced charge. Why wear out the barrel, etc,?

[Subdeacon Joe]

2 hours ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

Salutes always use a reduced charge. Why wear out the barrel, etc,?

 

I'm not saying that they should be using the full 8 pound charge. but part of the reason they fire those salutes is public entertainment.  Going from 8 pounds down to less than half a pound, and from a gun modified to us a 40mm shell no less, in my mind robs the public.  

And, to wear out those tubes, which will never see shot nor shell through them, nor chain, grape, or canister, would take centuries.

Give it at least a 2 pound charge to produce an appropriate amount of smoke.

[Pat Riot]

I went on a July 4th turnaround cruise (literally a trip into the harbor to turn the ship around) in 2019. I also visited the ship in 2018. Love that ship. 
 

When I was in the Navy we got word that the Navy was looking for sailors interested in serving on the Constitution. I was interested but the Navy wasn’t interested in me doing it because I was in a critical rating and I wasn’t a Four-O sailor. 
 

[Pat Riot]

6 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

I'm not saying that they should be using the full 8 pound charge. but part of the reason they fire those salutes is public entertainment.  Going from 8 pounds down to less than half a pound, and from a gun modified to us a 40mm shell no less, in my mind robs the public.  

And, to wear out those tubes, which will never see shot nor shell through them, nor chain, grape, or canister, would take centuries.

Give it at least a 2 pound charge to produce an appropriate amount of smoke.

Yeah, the firing of the guns aboard the Constitution was quite a let down. Kind of like going on a date with a gorgeous woman and finding out she…

 

Nah, I ain’t finishing that statement. 

[Capt. James H. Callahan]

That was a little lame. I think my 12 ga with 70 gr FFg makes a louder boom than that.

JHC

[watab kid]

that was fun to watch 

[Trailrider #896]

With all the Iowa-class retired, they might need her guns for offshore fire support.  I wonder if she could be fitted with cruise missiles?  Visited her years ago. Fantastic experience!

[MizPete]

Made my first trip to Boston in December for Grandson #2's (some of y'all knew him, briefly, as Pete T Younger)senior recital at Berklee College of Music.  The only thing non-Grandson-related Peter wanted to do was tour the Constitution.  If she's able, I would love to see this old girl out of berth more.  Seemed stable and seaworthy to me

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

I had the pleasure to visit that Grand ship during my 2019 Vacation to the East Coast area.

 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

On 5/18/2024 at 7:52 AM, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

I'm not saying that they should be using the full 8 pound charge. but part of the reason they fire those salutes is public entertainment.  Going from 8 pounds down to less than half a pound, and from a gun modified to us a 40mm shell no less, in my mind robs the public.  

And, to wear out those tubes, which will never see shot nor shell through them, nor chain, grape, or canister, would take centuries.

Give it at least a 2 pound charge to produce an appropriate amount of smoke.

Yes those charges were rather lame.  When our BSA Venture Crew use to do Artillery Salutes at various events they were much more impressive reports.  Here are some photos from our participation at the 2009 Memorial Day event at a local cemetary near a GAR marker.  I am the officer providing the commands.