Kilted on Old Ironsides

**Andrew Breecher** · 2nd April 07, 09:10 AM

I had a friend in town yesterday, so we were out and about doing the tourist thing. Out of the blue we decided to go see USS Constitution (the world's oldest floating commissioned warship; the oldest by 30 years is HMS Victory, but she's drydocked). The trip turned interesting when we got there and discovered that we had to go through security (which makes sense since we were boarding a US warship). I explained what a sgian dubh was, and asked if security could hold onto it for me. No dice. One of the Navy personnel at the checkpoint instructed me to leave it in my sporran while I was on board. That done we enjoyed our tour of Constitution. It was interesting going up and down the ladders in the midst of a large tour group....

Next we visited USS Cassin Young, a decommissioned WWII-era destroyer which served through the Korean War. Again with the ladders! The USFS guide commented that the problem is usually with women in the summertime. I bet they have even more of a problem, since their skirts are probably far shorter, and don't have all the pleats of a kilt.

Andrew.

**Mountainman** · 2nd April 07, 09:13 AM

Sounds like an interesting, and breezey day!

**Nick** · 2nd April 07, 09:51 AM

I'd love to go see the Constitution some day. One of the early Enterprises sailed with her during the War of 1812. And I've always loved old sailing ships.

I'd also love to get a ship's hat. I've got Navy ballcaps from the USS Carney, USS Fitzgerald, USS Enterprise, USS Seawolf (from before she was commissioned), and had one from the USS Boulder. But my dog ate that one.

**macwilkin** · 2nd April 07, 09:56 AM

The USFS guide commented that the problem is usually with women in the summertime.

He was actually NPS (National Park Service), not USFS, which is the Forest Service -- yes, there is a difference between Park Rangers and Forest Rangers!

Sorry to be picky about it, but when you hear it everytime you're in public in an NPS uniform...

http://www.nps.gov/archive/bost/Cassin_Young.htm

I had a friend who was a LE Ranger who pulled security duty at Charlestown Navy Yard right after 9/11; He had a good time and enjoyed seeing "Old Ironsides", especially since was an ex-Navy man himself.

T.

**katmills2005** · 2nd April 07, 10:09 AM

One day I'll get up there to see Old Ironsides. I have a huge fondness for tall ships. Glad to hear ya'll had such a good time.

**shane the piper** · 2nd April 07, 10:50 AM

id like to go see the constitution myself, and of course kilted!

**Andrew Breecher** · 2nd April 07, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

He was actually NPS (National Park Service), not USFS, which is the Forest Service -- yes, there is a difference between Park Rangers and Forest Rangers!

You're right - NPS. I just couldn't think of the right word, and since I'm more familiar with the USFS I just said that. Sorry!

Andrew.

**Andrew Breecher** · 2nd April 07, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by shane the piper

id like to go see the constitution myself, and of course kilted!

The Constitution is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and is a piece of paper.

Constitution is in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA, and is a frigate.

Just me being nitpicky.

(And if I were really nitpicky, it's Constitution.)

Andrew.