Aug. 14, 2024

“We pronounce her to be the Non Pareil”: The launching of USS Congress

Editor’s note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command announced its commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy’s six frigates, which began the new United States Navy, including: United States (launched May 10, 1797), Constellation (September 7, 1797), Constitution (October 21, 1797), Congress

Oct. 12, 2022

USS Constitution Launches – “A Magnificent Spectacle!” – Part II

Editor’s Note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command began commemorating the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy’s six frigates (United States), which began the new United States Navy. The launch of the frigates is a significant moment in both U.S. Navy and American history, and the U.S. Navy’s earliest

Sept. 2, 2022

“A Better Launch I Never Saw”: The Creation of the Frigate Constellation

Editor’s Note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command began commemorating the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. Navy’s six frigates (United States), which began the new United States Navy.  The launch of the frigates is a significant moment in both U.S. Navy and American history, and he U.S. Navy’s earliest

Aug. 10, 2022

USS Congress Becomes the First U.S. Navy Ship to Visit China, 1819

In 1819, the frigate Congress became the first American warship to visit China. Although the cruise did little to protect American commerce in the Far East, which was the ship’s mission, showing the U.S. flag in distant places made a symbolic impact and foreshadowed the Navy’s future role in the Western Pacific.