The oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world became known as "Old Ironsides" during the war of 1812 when she fought the British Frigate H.M.S. Guerriere and cannonballs fired at the USS Constitution merely "bounced off" as if she were made of iron. The ship is permanently berthed in Boston Harbor and ventures out 6 to 10 times a year. It is still a fully commissioned ship, with its own crew and commander. in the second picture they are replacing one of the planks on the deck floor.