Pinned post for Q&A :)

@Knight6831

Жыл бұрын

How reasonable is it that USS Constitution will be a Constellation Class Frigate?

@joshthomas-moore2656

Жыл бұрын

If Urban combat is the nightmare for Generals, what's an Admirals nightmare?

@davidharner5865

Жыл бұрын

! know you are busy, but finishing War of 1812-1815 & US vs CSA War would be loverly!

@VieneLea

Жыл бұрын

Oh my god, will you visit Ryan Szimansky too!?

@datgood121

Жыл бұрын

Were japanese naval optics/binoculars that much better in the dark compared to their contemporaries?

Recently uncovered footage of a boarding action by British forces aboard USS Constitution(Colorized)

@jakesully2868

Жыл бұрын

Sneaky! 🤣🤣🤣

@uniwasamistake6334

Жыл бұрын

My man's 239 years late but he got there at least.

@sealpiercing8476

Жыл бұрын

Looks like they resolved boarding action by impressing the boarder

@lezardvaleth2304

Жыл бұрын

@@uniwasamistake6334 shaky start but Drach finished strong

@nukclear2741

Жыл бұрын

DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP!

When Queen Elizabeth toured the ship in the 80s or 90s, she was shown some cannons that had British markings on them. Obviously they'd been captured in battle and used to replace damaged American ones. The Queen however turned to an aide and said in jest "We must do something about these foreign arms sales now shouldn't we." I've always found that story funny.

@cpconner93

Жыл бұрын

The Queen is such a great woman I see why she commands such respect

@treyhelms5282

Жыл бұрын

Funny. Great sense of humor.

@roykum6738

Жыл бұрын

The guns are replicas made in the UK in the 1920's when the ship was restored. They were the only 24 pounders available at the time. Well, that's what one of the crew told me when I noted the royal crest on the guns.

@bryanread6663

Жыл бұрын

The original guns were captured guns. During the American Revolution, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (and Benedict Arnold) captured Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York from the British. A while later, George Washington arrived to take charge of the siege of Boston. He sent Henry Knox to transport the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. The Americans sieging Boston prepared logs and bundles of sticks and whatnot and literally overnight built a fortification on Dorchester Heights overlooking the city, complete with those massive guns. Later on, when they were building Constitution in Boston, there was a problem with the manufacture of the intended armament, so they figured "Why not use these guns we have sitting around?" The current guns are replicas, of course, but the originals are there in the museum.

@connormclernon26

Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard she has an atacama desert dry wit

In the fall of 1968 my ship, USS Samuel B Roberts DD823 went to the Boston Shipyard for a refit. We were there through the winter and on one weekend Boston experienced one of the worst snow storm of the century. We were in the drydock next to the Constitution when in the middle of the night when we were aroused to get up and help the Constitution pull her back in here mooring. The storm brought with it high winds and the Constitution had pulled loose from the mooring and they needed all hands to help bring her back in. She must have been at least 100 feet from the pier when we got to the pier and there were only two lines that were holding her back. It was quite an experience bringing her back next to the pier.

@elroyscout

19 күн бұрын

Poor old girl must have seen a british merchant ship and slipped back into old habbits.

That happened to me aboard USS Drum. A bunch of kids were asking their parents questions that they didn't have answers to, there was I, fresh out of the Navy with said answers because I had been on submarines, and I spent the next 40 minutes organizing about 7 kids in the Drum's control into a proper submarine crew. Parents just assumed I worked for the park and thanked me afterwards for making the trip so memorable for their kids.

@jamesharding3459

Жыл бұрын

It’s gratifying when that happens, although my story is a little different. I was quoting something I’d read, talking about the early composite armor on the Soviet T-6[X] and T-72 battle tanks (with a T-55 as an anachronistic visual aid!), and turned around to find myself giving a brief rundown of early composite armor to a few passerby.

Hahah. I love the fact that tourists thought you worked for the Constitution museum, and you just went with it. Good stuff.

@TooLateForIeago

Жыл бұрын

Too funny right? It's probably the beard and the authoritative British accent.

@christophermancini7380

Жыл бұрын

Lol, why am I thinking that's not the first or last time Drach unofficially is part of the tour!

@paultrappiel9943

Жыл бұрын

Drach should do a paid tour to run tours for museum vessels I reckon.

@danspragens4935

Жыл бұрын

As I saw him aboard the ship with all those tourists around, I knew it had to happen eventually.

@warrenlehmkuhleii8472

Жыл бұрын

Drach: Look at me. I am the tour guide now.

During your tour, you may have noticed a Traverse Board mounted on one of the after bulkheads. I made this for the USS Constitution for her 200th anniversary. It was made of wood taken from the ship during the refit prior to the 200th sail. I also built a chip log and 28 second sand glasses out of the same wood. They should be somewhere in the ship or museum.

@garyreed6237

Жыл бұрын

Dude, you had an Epic Professional Honor. I bet you would have done that for free for the Old Girl wouldn't you?

@GreggGermain

Жыл бұрын

@@garyreed6237 I did it for free. Wouldn't dream of charging them for it. But it was I who was honored: the day I delivered the traverse board, chip log and sand glasses, I was treated to lunch by the then-Captain of the Constitution, aboard the Constitution, in the Gunroom - the Captain's dining area just forward of the Captain's Quarters. It's a lunch I will never forget as long as I live.

@garyreed6237

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service Sir. You are a Great American. That beautiful ship has a story. And if she could talk....

@philgiglio7922

Жыл бұрын

@@garyreed6237 ...she does, in her logbooks

@garyreed6237

Жыл бұрын

@@philgiglio7922 Yes, that she does. 225 years worth.

I enlisted in the navy in 1981. Shortly after that, I visited USS Constitution. While on the tour, my girlfriend Katie who I was with let the crew know I just joined the navy. The crew took me under their wing, showed me parts of the ship not seen by tourists. I got to hang out with them in the crew quarters. The Constitution crew took me clubbing to celebrate joining the navy. USS Constitution is part of my personal history.

@bravocharlie639

Жыл бұрын

It was Senator Ted Kennedy who preserved the USS Constitution, there's an amazing history of Constitution falling into disrepair several times. Kennedy made sure that it was re-commissioned and so, being part of the US Navy, would receive the attention required and be available to the public as well. I'm a former Naval enlistee myself but gave up my love of War when I was still young. Old Wooden Boats however, have a unique beauty.

@kimberlainodriscoll4781

Жыл бұрын

@@bravocharlie639 she is a beautiful ship. I dont know anyone who served, past or present who ever had a love of war. Those who serve hope war never happens but are there to step up if it does.

@infinitecanadian

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for serving.

@davkatjenn

Жыл бұрын

Great story. Thank you for your service.

@bravocharlie639

Жыл бұрын

@@kimberlainodriscoll4781 We have "stepped up" less often than what is obvious. Decorated Combat Marine General Smedley Butler wrote a book about it, it hasn't changed.

That moment when Drach goes from a somewhat serious history buff to a kid on Christmas morning.

Define irony: A US ship that fought part of war against the British because the British impressed Americans to serve in its navy… has a British man working as a forced tour guide and eventual volunteer gunner aboard her. What a time to be alive. Love the video Drach!

@professor-josh

9 ай бұрын

And then the Americans were impressed, but in a different way. "that tour guide was so informative".

@davidmacy411

7 ай бұрын

What blows your mind even more is that there was an exchange program with the British Navy where active duty RN sailors would serve the Conny while US sailors went to the Victory.

Uhhhh, Drach....were there any sailors from the recruting station in Boston near by when you fired the gun? Naval regs state "Any persons who fires US Constitutions gun will have by that action vollenteered to join the US Navy." Congrats Drach your a Gunners mate striker now!!!

@shawnmiller4781

Жыл бұрын

Showing once again why You’ve got to read those contract riders! There is important stuff in there not just removing the brown M&M’s

@panzerabwerkanone

Жыл бұрын

Drach is British. The only thing he understands is a press gang!

@gaychampagnesocialist7213

Жыл бұрын

@@panzerabwerkanone America is famous for stealing all the cool dudes we can, we'll steal him!

@andrewryan4417

Жыл бұрын

@@panzerabwerkanone It's 1812 all over again... But in reverse.

@garyreed6237

Жыл бұрын

Don't sweat it Drach. You may like being in the US Navy. Remember what they said in Britain during the War about us Yanks? Over paid, over sexed, and over here. 😁😁😁

Drach, I was amused to see you ended up being an accidental tour guide. The guests were quite fortunate. I'm an amateur warbird historian, and wind up in similar circumstances at airshows. It's wonderful being able to answer people's questions. Best regards and thank you so much for this video!

she's also the oldest ship that's still in active duty. though she isn't used in conflicts anymore many us sailors will have the pleasure of sailing her during celebrations.

Can we see that 40 minute lecture you did with the tourist? Would love to see their reaction when you tell them you dont work for the museum

@lancerevell5979

Жыл бұрын

A unique "I don't work here, lady" moment! 😄

@juancarlosperezcortes9259

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it should be raelly funny. But not everyone has the privilige to have Drach in the museum the same day you go

@JMM33RanMA

Жыл бұрын

@@lancerevell5979 I never have said, "I don't work here lady." What I have said on quite a few occasions is, "I'm sorry, I'm not an employee but you are looking for aisle C3," or "perhaps you need to ask an employee."

@mustlovedragons8047

Жыл бұрын

I would love to have seen that!

@BIG-DIPPER-56

Жыл бұрын

YES, YES, YES ! ! ! 🙂😎👍

If those tourists were smart, they would have stood within earshot the whole time 😂 probably wouldn’t have got any better thorough free tour of the Constitution.

@sewing1243

Жыл бұрын

If I was there I would have asked Drach if I could follow him around for his lecture/tour.

@chrisbullock3504

Жыл бұрын

I was there and yes, a lot of the fans of his were around him a lot listening.

@MrDiggityaus

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I guess his fans would have known in advance. But it would have been quite lucky for a family who had no idea who Drach is and getting quite a comprehensive tour lol.

@danasmith3288

Жыл бұрын

@@MrDiggityaus or someone like myself who loves Drach, but like a ninny was unaware of his American invasion. I would have taken off from work . . . sigh . .

@schrodingersgat4344

Жыл бұрын

I'd argue for the man's arrest! If even one Seaman overheard him, he'd have been Impressed. We all know what happened the last time ,The English, thought they could get away with that. 🤣

Great video. Two things: The Navy has a grove of oaks in Indiana where they grow trees that will become replacement parts for Constitution; when reveille is played in the morning, the colors rocket up whatever device that is holding them, and when the "Retreat" bugle call is played in the evening, the flag comes down ever so very slowly. Old Glory stands up must faster than she stands down.

I am a former crew member of Constitution, and have enjoyed this tour very much. Thanks Drach. I have fired the 40mm saluting batteries (one on each side), although when I was on her, the saluting batteries were the two most forward guns on the gundeck. I do not know when they got moved back aft but it is clearly safer than pointing the gun at the pier, which is what happens when the ship is moored bow in, and the foremost guns are pointed slightly forward of directly abeam (perpendicular to the ships keel) as you could see in the video of the gun deck, forward of the ships galley (the empty gunports second from the bow, on each side, were the ones we used to use). I spent two wonderful years on board, as a tour guide, and ships crew, performing maintenance and upkeep on the days when I was not on tour guide duty. I was assigned to the small boat maintenance area over in the main dockyard building, where the real work on keeping the ship floating happens. I was a member of the Captain's gig rowing crew, and took part in the Charles river regatta both years I was on board. Again, well done Drach, and thanks for the memories.

@genesmolko8113

Жыл бұрын

Do they use black powder? How does it compare to charge used for normal firing of the cannon with shot?

@Chipster-cm1le

Жыл бұрын

@@genesmolko8113 It is a black powder charge. and since the saluting battery is actually inserted into the massive 24 pounder long gun barrel, the ridiculous weight of the gun means that there is absolutely no recoil whatsoever. there is a mild thump heard throughout the lower decks, but that is it. big cloud of smoke and a decent bang, but nothing like a full charge would have been back in the day. I believe there is less than half a pound of black powder in the charge, compared to the several pounds that would have been used to fire a 24 pound ball. Like I said, it doesn't even move the carriage. At all.

@genesmolko8113

Жыл бұрын

@@Chipster-cm1le Thanks very much, I would love to see a 24 pdr fired with a full charge, cannon ball and all. Must have been cool being a crew member of the Consti. Semper Paratus squidly ;)

@NamVetBuck

Жыл бұрын

@@genesmolko8113 Semper Fi, puddle pirate ...LOL !

@brgilbert2

Жыл бұрын

@@Chipster-cm1le Um, interesting fact you have passed on but that raises the question of "that" black powder charge for its diameter looks to be much smaller then the diameter of the barrel would be. Was an insert slid down the barrel to compensate for the smaller diameter of "that" charge? Or was that cannon, being a breach loader not an original or replica of an original cannon?

Born and bred in Boston and been three times to the Constitution, but never learned as much as today. Thanks so much, Drach.

@MotoroidARFC

Жыл бұрын

Here here!

@riff2072

Жыл бұрын

And I never go past the gun deck.

@kenney5454

Жыл бұрын

Here Too!

@riff2072

Жыл бұрын

@Ruska Just lucky, I guess.

@wolfbyte3171

Жыл бұрын

I need to revisit her at some point, especially now that she's fully rigged.

Huge respect and thanks to the crew of the USS Constitution and the US Navy for the highly appreciated help and cooperation given to Drachinifel in the making of this video.

@superdog1964

Жыл бұрын

I agree.Since the USA and Great Britain had the ability to put our past differences behind us and move forward, I would think it shows the world that anyone could? Both countries have been criticized for their actions over the years but I am certain the friendship between our countries and their citizens is a shining example of how diplomacy, cooperation and support can make the world a much better place to live.for everyone involved.

@meaders2002

Жыл бұрын

@@superdog1964 It's useful that the language spoken in both countries has a common ancestor.

@camenbert5837

Жыл бұрын

Naaaah, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer..."

@milferdjones2573

Жыл бұрын

@@superdog1964 Yes but ending world wide open slavery Great Britain does deserve credit and the US helped a small bit in running down slave ships. Yes a good deal of blame can be offered but a good deal of credit is owed as well. And in most case Colonization better than what there before but of course in no way acceptable by modern standard. There are horrible exceptions to this comment of course like the Belgian Congo (although the cannibals probably deserved it as they made up part of the horrible abuse received) Before was steady war between local leaders and colonization created peace and stability and uniform laws and infrastructure improvements. Being treated as second class citizens in their own lands though of course wrong and colonization as i had been done had to end.

Love that Drac stood by and respectfully until color's finished .. Even if he didn't know what/why (wouldn't surprised me that he did). He got to retire the colors for all 3. U.S. Navy here sir .. keep up the good work. /salute

living here in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the past 14 years, i have to say i absolutely love hearing those guns twice a day! A little reminder of just how special and awesome my neighbor is!

@stuartdollar9912

Ай бұрын

A big part of the charm of the area, I'm sure.

"A 32 pound, short barreled carronade." >Because sometimes you want to see 'the whites of their eyes' before you send them to their god. "If you imagine a bar-fight." >Good to see Drach immersed in Boston culture. Drachinifel....international tour guide impersonator. Firing ship's guns. Makes me look forward to the USS New Jersey tour.

@adamdubin1276

Жыл бұрын

Yes, can't wait to see Drach and Ryan running around together, that'll be a good video.

@colinsdad1

Жыл бұрын

HAHAHA! I was just flipping through comments and IMMEDIATELY spit up my coffee when I read your "Good to see Drach immersed in Boston Culture"- I'm a Central Massachusetts guy who remembers "trips behind the woodshed" to settle disputes in my Youth. As Bill Burr once said about Massachusetts folk "We are a fighty group, aren't we?"😂

@ReclinedPhysicist

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, we're not likely to see one of the New Jersey's guns fired. Darn shame. Yeah it would break a few windows around the harbor. But it's a battleship. What do you expect?

@adamdubin1276

Жыл бұрын

@@ReclinedPhysicist They might let him fire the Bofors that they restored, I know the ship uses a quad mount for salutes and celebrations.

@chowardlaw8417

Жыл бұрын

chowardlaw Am pretty sure New Jersey has evening colors, even though she is no longer a commissioned USN vessel. Saluting guns are a trifle noisy, but hardly what you would get from a 16"/50 or even a 5"/38 (which wouldn't be used as saluting guns anyhow)

The irony of an Englishman firing a salute from the USS Constitution is just delicious. That and the tourists thinking the BEST person to discuss USN armaments is an Englishman is even better!😂 Seriously, Thank You for doing this video- I couldn't get time off to see you in Boston, but, it was nice to meet you at Battleship Cove. As always, an exceptionally informative and entertaining episode!

@JamesF0790

Жыл бұрын

I mean to be fair to be fair he might know more about it then some of the staff. Absolutely no slight on them but he is a naval historian.

@pierowmania2775

Жыл бұрын

I can't wait for him to do a video about his visit to battleship cove. As an Illinois resident, I've actually been there several times. I highly recommend a visit.

@colinsdad1

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesF0790 I ABSOLUTELY agree! It's just the juxtaposition of an Englishman presenting American armaments seems like a Python skit.

@colinsdad1

Жыл бұрын

@@pierowmania2775 That's a HAUL to see Big Mamie!

@JamesF0790

Жыл бұрын

@@colinsdad1 It really does doesn't it?

I found the scene where Drach got to fire the saluting gun for evening colors as a guest of the US Navy, with the fanfare to honor fallen sailors, particularly moving for some reason. Cheers! 🍺

I toured Old Ironsides over 50 years ago with my mom. I went home with a Revell model which took me weeks to finish. That day stays with me vividly.

@tonyg2595

Жыл бұрын

I also built a Revell model of the ship when I was young, would love to tour the ship. Wish I could find another Revell model to build.

@OnASeasideMission

3 ай бұрын

That Revell Constitution was the last model I ever built and the only one whose instructions I read properly and painted every part accordingly. I kept it for years but can't remember what became of it.

That's so awesome how they treated you, the access you got and who wouldn't want to pull that handle and hear BOOM :) Enjoyed it bunches thanks Drach

I remember Drach telling us the story about the tourists asking about Constitution, despite the fact that he doesn’t work there, while he was aboard the USS Yorktown. It was the second funniest thing that day, only beaten by the air-soft story 😂. (I was the guy with the USS Enterprise CV-6 hat).

I visited the USS Constitution in June of 2013. I learned more from you in this 50 minute video, thank you for being so clear, concise and knowledgeable.

A long time (Royal) Navy fiction reader, I made the USS Constitution my first stop on my first visit to Boston on my first visit to the USA. Being aboard the kind of ship that fought the Napoleonic and Anglo-American wars was a mind blowing experience. A work of art and a deadly piece of machinery.

As a former sailor, who isn't fond of heights, I can't imagine being in those fighting tops in any more than a light chop.

@PhysicsGamer

Жыл бұрын

Especially since they wouldn't just be swaying with the waves and wind - consider how much they'd swing around from momentum alone!

@jeebusk

Жыл бұрын

Sailing vessels are much more stable than modern ships, there's an equilibrium between the sails and the ballast/kheel.

@dougearnest7590

20 күн бұрын

Indeed, I would definitely be the one with an "attitude problem".

ok i am massively jealous of the tourists who got an unscripted Drachinifel special on ammunition in the age of sail by sheer accident. Lucky sods.

The lecture with the tourists totally reminds me of Ian from Forgotten Weapons, when he went on a Battlefield tour in France and ended up giving an impromptu lecture to tourists on a tour bus.

I am Retired Navy, served my time aboard Destroyers, small Seagoeing Warships. Once while at Boston I decided to tour the USS Constitution. I was Amazed at how Small She was. By today's standards She is a Tiny Ship.

As a Bostonian, I've had the privilege of going aboard USS Constitution many times, including during one of her periodic refits in drydock. I've also been on a harbor cruise during the firing of the salute cannon for evening colors. I'm envious that you got to fire the cannon, Drach, but what an honor that was. I have stood at Castle Island during many of Constitution's "turnaround" cruises and felt one of her salute shots thump me in the chest. Even from a few hundred yards away, you can definitely feel it. At her turnaround cruises, Constitution will fire a 21-gun salute at Fort Independence (Castle Island in South Boston ("Southie")) with a reply given by the same artillery battery that fires for the 1812 Overture for the Boston Pops 4th of July concert.

@user-lv7ph7hs7l

Жыл бұрын

One of the main reasons my next US tour will include Boston, if she's there. Sadly there aren't any ocean liners anymore with cheap tickets and flights across the atlantic are expensive AF... I can fly to Thailand from the EU for a few hundred bucks but US is like 1-2k minimum :(

"A stiff morning breeze ruffles the hair of a British boarder on the upper deck of USS Constitution"

What a great tour! In 2nd grade (age 7yo), I had to get parental permission to check out a book about USS Constitution from our elementary school library (judged to be 5th grade reading material at the time). Reading that book triggered my life-long love of history and the sea. I have been aboard USS Constitution, but in 1970! Very cool to see you actively involved in evening Colors (I'm US Army, retired). Thank you!

Always knew there was something special about the USS Constitution that allowed her to prevail against her foes. Your ability to put her assets in prospective for us was greatly appreciated.

At last a British got to make the Constitution lower her colours. Oddly, this doesn't ruffle my patriotic feathers. This was very well presented and (personally) very educational. Thank you for your efforts, the love you have shows.

@JamesF0790

Жыл бұрын

Enemies of the past allies of the future right?

@yoburbrassbar8107

Жыл бұрын

Ah, but USS Constitution was in harbor docked/at anchor. Had she been underway, that ceremony would not have happened! A warship (and yes, Coast Guard Cutters are warships) does NOT lower her colors for anything, including Evening Colors.

@RaderizDorret

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesF0790 Nah. More like a nice bit of poetry in that we WERE British at one point and had King George V and Parliament actually held to their end of the charters that established us as Crown Colonies in the first place, we wouldn't have felt it necessary to rebel against the Crown.

@ZGryphon

Жыл бұрын

@@RaderizDorret George V reigned from 1910 to 1936, by which time the matter was _mostly_ settled. You're thinking of George III. :)

@RaderizDorret

Жыл бұрын

@@ZGryphon D'oh!

Huzzah! Good to see her on here. I got to visit her during her last refit when they were re-doing her copper sheathing, and they were inviting people to engrave their names on the sheets of copper to be put on. My signature is on her hull somewhere.

@adamdubin1276

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome, how many people are actually allowed to leave their mark on a piece of history (and not given a massive fine or jail time with a lifetime ban)

@ganave

Жыл бұрын

Ah neat! My name is on there as well! Was about 4 or 5 years ago if memory serves.

@marvindebot3264

Ай бұрын

That's, pretty dang cool.

About to see this absolute legend in about an hour. Shout out to my wife, who doesn’t REALLY care about ships (because she served in the coast guard) but is taking me there for my birthday because she rules!!

its so cool to see a ship that fought in the early 1800's thats still commissioned and still has an active duty US navy crew operating it

I took a tour of the Constitution and noticed that the lower deck guns had the British Crown on them. I asked if the guns were captured and the guide told me that they had been cast by using a captured gun to make the molds and that's why they still had British markings. I thought that was an interesting detail. Great video.

@ynptrip

Жыл бұрын

Thats like how the russians copied a stolen B-29, right down to extra rivet holes caused by manufacturing errors.

Drach, Loved the entire episode, especially your impromptu demonstration regarding age of sail ammunition. Something similar happened to me in 1989, when serving as a US Navy lieutenant I had the honor of being the re-enlisting officer for one of my chief petty officers. The ceremony was conducted aboard Constitution by the taffrail, and many of the tourists thought we were part of the tour! The year prior my wife (she's from Surrey) and I were married, and we had friends come over from England for the ceremony. We had time to tour Constitution prior to their flight out of Logan Airport, and they couldn't help but remark how it was "Bloody unsporting of us Yanks" to use some English made 24 pounders during the War of 1812...

@kristoffermangila

Жыл бұрын

Queen Elizabeth II probably though the same thing when she toured the Constitution in the 1980s and resulted in her jest to her late husband Prince Philip about talking to her ministers at the time to "do something about those foreign arms sales".

1:44 As a New Englander I feel the need to point out that Boston is actually at a latitude only slightly north of Rome. The gulf stream "shifts" Europe's climate zones north by several degrees.

@MosBikeShop

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, England is north of Newfoundland. Off to play with e globe :)

USS Constitution, what a beautiful ship.

Epic! Did you get to keep the casing? Glad they rolled out the red carpet. To have your name in the log, what an honor to carry. A tribute to your incredible efforts and contributions as a Naval Historian

@Isolder74

Жыл бұрын

That’s just asking to be arrested going through customs.

@IkesThePyro

Жыл бұрын

@@Isolder74 for a casing? Highly doubt it.

@Isolder74

Жыл бұрын

@@IkesThePyro You haven't seen some of the news story involving airports lately. Even if they let you do it it wouldn't be worth the headache.

@robertf3479

Жыл бұрын

@@Isolder74 Ship it separately, don't try to carry it in your luggage.

@JackDrinkn2DollarJim

Жыл бұрын

They probably reload them for future re-use.

Well, I think I just resolved the question of whether HMS Hood is a battlecruiser or a fast battleship - it has two masts thus it is a **brig**. You can give me the Nobel peace prize now.

@greenflagracing7067

Жыл бұрын

having two masts means it's not a ship or ship rigged. a brig is a kind of rigging/sail plan on two masts. could also be a snow, brigantine, hermaphrodite brig, yawl, ketch, schooner or something similar.

@Archangelm127

Жыл бұрын

You win the Internet for today, EV. Does that satisfy you?

Though descended from Bostonians, I have never had the opportunity to visit her, though have seen her from afar. Thanks, especially for the last bit firing the saluting cannon. I served in the U.S Navy in 1961-4 aboard a modern Missile Frigate, DLG-11. If you note the dates, you will realize I was aboard when President kennedy was assassinated. I still have two of the 40mm saluting shell casings from our ship's 24 hourly salutes at anchor in Yokusuka, Japan. The sounds of evening colors aboard U.S.S. Constitution are still quite nostalgic this many years onward.

Hey Drac! Something most probably overlook when it comes to how Old Ironsides was so strong is actually the WOOD she was made from! Mind you, after many years of naval production, the British Isles had been pretty well picked over for the "best trees" to use for large shipbuilding lumber. Built in the New World full of virgin forests, the Constitution was built from a "candy store" of very old growth trees with EXCEPTIONALLY tight and dense wood grain due to what's called "The Little Ice Age" from roughly the 16th to the 19th centuries.

It’s a little known fact that the USS Constitution was once attended to by autonomous robots that routinely fought off scavengers until taking flight and landing on a nearby skyscraper. The whole ordeal was facilitated by one vault dweller that had been frozen for many years.

@paulzaborny6741

Жыл бұрын

I remember that mission. Tough fight......... : )

@zoomerboomer6834

Жыл бұрын

Ah! Good one. I was wondering when someone would post a reference to "Fallout 4".

@fixman88

Жыл бұрын

*giggles*

@ultraman5168

Жыл бұрын

Easily my favorite mission in that game.

judging from the tone of your voice, I'm not sure which one you enjoyed more: firing the evening salute, or having the honor of signing your name to the book of gunners about USS Constitution. either way, I'm glad you had the chance to walk the deck of another age-of-sail ship that had seen service.

That was so cool. I had tears watching this. America's sailing navy was a source of pride for our young nation. Our sailors could hold their own against anyone and our ship builders set the standard others sought to copy. Great video. Looks exactly like I remember when I stood on her deck 58 years ago. Imagine if the U.S.S. Iowa fired a salute at sunset. The Naval Air Base in Lemoore would here it.

Spectacular! I, as a retired USAF First Sergeant thank you heartily for keeping our traditions alive!

29:00 Britain, after more than two centuries and several notable defeats at the hands of this vessel, finally manages to commandeer the Constitution with what merely appears to be a presentation on ammunition. As this is a role typically filled by active duty US Navy sailors it is quite clear this will no longer be the case until the vessel is returned to her rightful owners. Edit: Here at the end of the video now, I just want to thank you for maintaining a respectful silence during evening colors. Firing a salute from one of Connie's guns must have awakened some boyish excitement (It certainly would for myself.), so I genuinely aprreciate your respect for ceremony and tradition.

@jacktattis

Жыл бұрын

Two actually that can be classed as great victories however she ran and hid from anything of equal or more guns Unlike the HMS Shannon or the HMS Endylion who put paid to the USS Chesapeake and the USS President And heaven forbid she would never have faced a Razee

Drach, thank you so much for posting this! Wow, if this is how the rest of your tour of American museum ships went, we certainly are certainly in for quite a treat! What a thrill that must of been to fire the evening salute!

I'm from New England and a class trip to Old Ironsides was common. I thought it was really cool but just a local celebrity. I later found out what a major figure she is in the history of sailing. I shed some tears watching the canon shot. We never want to forget those that sacrificed all to protect us and our way of life.

U.S. Navy really delivering the goods here. As always a very informative, impressive, and fun video. Thanks!

I got to participate in evening colors onboard her 6 years ago, she’s a beautiful ship.

When I was in boot camp in 1976 a member of our company got orders to the Constitution. I was a great honor for a new recruit. Thank you for the tour.

Great presentation @Drachinifel thanks for producing this video. It was great fun watching it and also seeing so many enthusiastic responses. Constitution is a magnificent ship. Ive grown up on her through visiting her and the Charlestown Navy Yard over countless visits over decades now. I was even on her when she actually sailed under her own sail power in 1997. She was heeled over a bit and reached a nice 7 knot clip in the harbor. It was glorious to stand on her as the wind carried her that day. Thank the full-time professional civilian Naval History Heritage and Command Detachment Boston crew for their ongoing and continuous maintenance, restoration, and repair of the ship for all. They are responsible for keeping her afloat and as we see her today.

The rigging is what fascinates me the most. The fact that it's so complicated and there would be dozens of sailors that have to know exactly what they are doing all working together, and expected to do it in bad weather and while being fired at by dozens of cannons from an enemy ship.

I'm envious of the tourists who got the college level lecture about the age of sail shot and armaments! Way to go, Drach!! 😊

Constitution is so cool. Boston is really lucky to have her.

@auggieeast

Жыл бұрын

It was built in Boston, so why should it be anywhere else?

@Moredread25

Жыл бұрын

@@auggieeast she could just as easily not exist at all anymore as be in Boston.

@auggieeast

Жыл бұрын

@@Moredread25 This is true.

I visited the US Constitution in the mid 50s when I was 12 or 13 and again in the mid 70s when freinds from our Air Force days visited. I remember the first visit as if it was last week. Even as a youngster, I was thoroughly impressed with the massive Oak Ribs running from the Gunnels to the Keel, the masts, rigging and Oak Decking.

It's heartwarming to see The X Men's Cyclops get into naval history. And sport a dapper beard and accent!

11:00 The main reason for drawing off to perform repairs before accepting a defeated foe's surrender isn't to repair hull damage in a ship like this but to repair damage to the rigging. USS Constitution was much less prone to significant hull damage but her rigging was as exposed as anyone else's.

I was there with my family a several years ago. I had expressed an interest to our tour guide ( a Petty Officer 2) to see the raked ribs that are a hallmark of a Humphrey's build frigate. That sharp raking of the ribs is what held up the bow and stern, allowing for the the hydrodynamic hull, as well as the large weight of shot. After the tour, he brough be down to the keel, and I got to see a lot of the same things shown in this video ( not the magazine though :( ) Excellent video.

I was fortunate to have been able to tour this ship with a group of history teachers. It was amazing.

As a US Navy veteran, I hate to admit that I have never been aboard CONSTITUTION, but I have visited HMS VICTORY. I need to get to Boston and see her.

When my son was about ten years old, I entered my name in a lottery for tix to be guests aboard Old Ironsides as it was turned, as it is twice annually so that the sides wear evenly at its dock. We won the tix, and were aboard as it was towed out across Boston Harbor to Castle Island, where it exchanged a salute before returning to its dock. It’s such a special memory of when my son was younger.

I was able to tour Old Ironsides in July 1984. My Navy ship spen a few days around Independence Day in Boston Harbor. We also watched them take her out into the harbor and turn her around, to even out the hull wear.

@GearGuardianGaming

Жыл бұрын

i hope im not the only one who misread your comment as 1894. awesome you got to watch her move, even if it wasnt out to sea.

@jehl1963

Жыл бұрын

@@GearGuardianGaming Back around the time of Old Iron Sides 200th birthday, she did put to sea under her own sail power. She sailed from outside Boston Harbor up to Salem and back (under reduced sail) as part of her turning around.

god I love this ship and the personnel aboard helping out and being so kind as to allow us all a greater learning experience with her :)

What a great honor for both the crews! Don't know how I missed this episode but a brilliant one and loved the ammo explanation.

That is such a pretty ship. Centuries old, and still fully functional. Things last if you take care of them.

Super awesome that they brought you in to serve as a gunners mate! You're in good company.

@francisclough710

Жыл бұрын

Your 5 Best I think that H.M.S.Victory and U.S.S. Constitution should be what an a. b. Kind they are both age of sail they are here and from there

I am quite pleased that you came here to experience our nation's rich naval heritage in person, and while seriously rocking the Bond villain look!

I was sent to Boston in 1972 for shore duty as a Signalman I had been on Sea Duty for 11yrs. Serving on Destroyers. I went aboard the USS Constitution out of Curiosity. She seemed so Small compared to the Modern Warships I had served on. But it was floating history.

Drach at 2:00 "Yes, I am cosplaying as a corporate muscle from your favorite dystopian sci-fi franchise, what about it?"

You’ve inspired me to get back to finishing my Revelle model of the Constitution that has been sitting for several years an ignominious state of partial completion. Thanks for the rousing kick in the pants!!! 🎇😮 Fantastic video!! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

Great video. I’m a historian and veteran of the USMC (so part of the Navy-insert joke here-“Only good Marine is a submarine!” Yes, the Marines are a department of the Navy…the MEN’S Department! Lol) I just wanted to thank you for sharing this video with us folks who don’t get around as much as they used to. Really fascinating to take a virtual tour and you’re a great “guide.” I remember in ‘76, when the US had that day where the harbor was FULL of ships. Can’t remember if that was near the 4th and part of our bicentennial celebration or what but I’m sure someone out there knows what I am talking about!? Thanks again for sharing this with us! Best wishes. ❤️🫡👍🏼

Firing the gun brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Go Navy !

My goodness, the bit at the end brought a bit of a tear to my eye. Well done, man.

To be accurate, numerous British ship captains did board USS Constitution. Captains of HMS Java, HMS Guerriere etc.

@ZER0ZER0SE7EN

Жыл бұрын

Right, but not quite under the circumstances that they had hoped!

@andrewallen9993

Жыл бұрын

Well the USS Constitutions captain was wise enough not to pick a fight with the smaller and lighter armed HMS Shannon.

@Archangelm127

Жыл бұрын

I don't think "boarding a ship" and "being brought aboard a ship" are quite the same thing. ^_^

@stvdagger8074

Жыл бұрын

Captain Lambert of HMS Java died in action, so he did not board the Constitution.

@jacktattis

Жыл бұрын

Now tell me when the Mighty Constitution went looking to take on any ship with equal or more Guns, She never did, against weaker foe very good against equal of better foe we will never know .

It's cool to see these really old traditions being upheld, with the whole firing of the battery and the other posts in the area marking their day by it as well.

Visited the ship a couple years ago with kids in tow. This was a much more in depth visit than I was able to get onboard. Thank you!

Most hilarious thing ever you literally posted this while I was on the train to get to the constitution for work lol

@Drachinifel

Жыл бұрын

Let the crew know a package is incoming for them 😀

@marvindebot3264

Ай бұрын

What did you send them mate?@@Drachinifel

Thank you for this video. That was a great end that the USN allowed you to participate in. Thank you to Gunner's Mate Second Class Neves for the demonstration.

Bravo to the Crew of the Constitution for recognizing an amazing opportunity to not only make a Naval History Nerd's Dreams come true, but also the chance to share something of naval culture with all those who follow Drac. *looks at his subscription numbers* A Very good idea, damn, i remember when he was still just doing the 5 min videos and a handful of drydocks.

Also, thanks for the dockside view of the salute during colors and the lowering of our flag. I wish they'd given it to you.

I do love how USS Constitution is still very much an active part of the USN, and her having the status of signalling the evening salute is something I didn't know, but absolutely fits that. She's obviously a very special ship to the USN and the fact she is pristine AND active reflects that. I confess to being a bit of a romantic about these kind of things, but there's something about a former combatant such as museum ships/tanks/planes that are still able to actively tell their story, in Constitution's case, having a working (if quite modern) gun for saluting work, along with her still being capable of sailing under her own power, fits right into that. I do confess, I do rather envy the fact Constitution can still sail under her own power. The RN has lost so much of it's history over the years and so I dearly wish someone would throw a boat load (Pun intended) of cash to get Victory or Warrior into a similar sailable state. Not to one-up the US, but for the joy of seeing these ships sailing. In fact, the idea of seeing Victory and Constitution meeting and sailing together is something I'd give a great deal to see.

@sirmalus5153

Жыл бұрын

I can imagine a fight between Constitusion and Victory. Constitution gives a spirited broadside of defiance against the oppressors ship. Then, after letting the "other fellow" have the 'first go', BANG..BANG..BANG.. go the three gundecks of Victory. Followed by the Victory's ships boats to search for survivors of Constitution's crew among the floating splinters. If Victory ever did go out to see (it'll never happen sadly) the French would probably panic at the sight and they would have nightmares from the old days of being blockaded in port.

@deaks25

Жыл бұрын

​@@sirmalus5153 In the day, during fleet actions, a Frigate didn't fire on enemy Line Ships because the Line Ship would just devastate it in a salvo or two, and Line Ships didn't pick on Frigates because they had other Line Ships to argue with. The idea of HMS Victory sailing around the Isle of Wight and then seeing the Charles De Gaule turn up because the French are having a PTSD moment is a hilarious thought

@blindleader42

Жыл бұрын

@@deaks25 Yeah, standard procedure for any frigate, including Constitution, encountering an enemy ship of the line, would have been to run away.

@charlesparr1611

Жыл бұрын

@@blindleader42 @Sir MalusThere are a number of instances where several Frigates engaged ships of the line as a team. In fact Drach tells at least two of those stories, one involving the incomparable Edward Pellew. Normally it was only even attempted in weather conditions and points of sail that prevented the 'Liner' from opening the lower ports due to them being submerged by the heel of the ship and the weather. What you describe was the 'custom' only in fleet actions, I have heard that one crusty old admiral told a midshipman who courageously asked why they did not fire upon a nearby 32 gun frigate, "Well young man, the Dog does not bite the bitch", a reference to the hierarchy behaviour of hunting dog packs in which normally male dogs do not normally harm female dogs, any hierarchy enforcement being done by each sex separately. Certainly the phrase was included in the Aubrey Maturin novels, and I believe in Forester's Hornblower saga. I miss being able to read, audiobooks just aren't the same.

@5peciesunkn0wn

Жыл бұрын

Yes, seeing the Constitution, Victory, and the Amerigo Vespucci sailing together would be *amazing*

"We have something special for you". I'm thinking honorary keel hauling for the limey.

Haven't heard evening colors in over 20 years since I was in the Navy. Brings back memories.

I don't get to watch and complete that many of your videos but this one I enjoyed from start to finish. Thank you!

I love you and your videos. I really do. They're educational and your voice is soothing. I have no clue where/how I found your channel but as someone who is heavily into naval things, I am so glad it exists. Keep doing all these videos and make sure to stay safe out there!

Brought a tear to my eye watching you signal colors. Carry on, Drach!

I am 65, a retired Merchant Marine sailor, love your show. I grew up not far from the Constitution. I was 7 years old and I read my first book on the history of the USS Constitution. I had metal book ends back then and they were made from some other metal parts from the constitution. My dad was a huge fan of sailing and particularly of racing his 37 foot sloop every wednesday. I remember I was watching the USS Constitution in her refit and a flat bed truck pulled into the yard with this huge tree lying on the flat bed. It was 5 feet in diameter at least. Being a tree lover I saw that the restoration of the Constitution as a beautiful and justifiable expenditure of the before mentioned tree. So 5 feet in diameter and 100 feet long. It needs to be mentioned that the tree was over hanging the bed of the truck by 20 feet with it`s obligatory flag on the end of the tree.

The USS Constitution and a Fletcher Destroyer..... Never thought I would say this, I got to go to Boston now.......

~29:00 a couple friends and I were doing a school project at the zoo, and part of it was "presenting" information about various animals. During one of them, a group of children noticed and gathered around, thinking we worked for the zoo. It was great, and I hope we're still remembered by some of those children as the crazy people we are.

Paul Revere was the vendor for the copper within and without when the ship was constructed. If you have heard of Revere Ware same guy same company.

@user-ql2ce5tx5c

Жыл бұрын

Listen my children and you will hear…

The Ensign being on the stern also signifies the ship is at anchor or “in port”. The Ensign being flown from the main mast would signify the ship was “at sea”. This is an indicator to vessels coming into a harbor who was doing what in a time before radios. They would also have signal flags going up their yard arms to indicate how much chain was let out to let other ships be aware of her swing radius so another ship doesn’t anchor too close so the swing of the shifting tide won’t cause a collision. These practices are still used today.