Which U.S. Navy ship is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat?

USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

The wooden-hulled heavy frigate was launched in Boston on October 21, 1797. It was one of the six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, legislation that created the foundation of the early United States Navy.

The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812. In a celebrated battle against HMS Guerriere in August 1812, British shot appeared to bounce off Constitution's oak hull. The ship won several engagements during the war and became a powerful national symbol.

Constitution remains a commissioned U.S. Navy vessel, not merely a museum display. It is berthed at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and is maintained by the Navy. USS Constitution should not be confused with USS Constellation, another historic American warship preserved in Baltimore.