Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share USS Constitution Independence Day Cruise Defense.gov July 4, 2019 | 1:18 USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy's oldest ship and the oldest commissioned warship in the world, set sail in Boston Harbor to celebrate the Fourth of July. Five-hundred passengers, selected by lottery, had the chance to ride aboard "Old Ironsides." The crew of USS Constitution is made up entirely of active-duty sailors who wear period costumes, conduct tours and keep U.S. Navy history alive.