USS Constitution The oldest ship in the U.S. Navy, the USS Constitution, has been in commission for 221 years. One of the Navy's six original frigates, the wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate served in battle from 1797 to 1855. It was built heavier, faster and better-armed than typical frigates of the day, and the advantages showed in battle. The ship's nickname, "Old Ironsides," refers to the cannonballs that allegedly bounced off its hull in the War of 1812. USS Susquehanna A sidewheel steam frigate outfitted with 15 guns, the USS Susquehanna served for 17 years. Like other sidewheel steam frigates of the day, it bore three masts that allowed it to sail with limited or no coal. Commissioned on Dec. 24, 1850, the Susquehanna served in the East India Squadron and Mediterranean Squadron before serving in the Civil War.