The Reporter’s Seth Daniel was on board the USS Constitution on Sat., March 28, 2026 as the crew of the US Navy’s oldest commissioned warship— which calls the Charlestown Navy Yard home— went “under way” for a three-hour excursion in Boston Harbor. It’s mission included a special visit to the Conley Terminal in South Boston where the Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine, USS Massachusetts, was officially commissioned in a ceremony on Saturday morning. The USS Constitution fired off its cannons in salute to the submariners and also made a special stop to salute the US Coast Guard station in Boston as well.
All photos by Seth Daniel for The Dorchester Reporter.
The USS Constitution in dock on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. Seth Daniel photo
Members of the shipyard crew hold a lead line during the careful process of backing the old ship out of its dock. Seth Daniel photo
Commander Crystal Schaefer directs those on the ground leading the ship out of dock by hand – often shouting orders with cupped hands. Seth Daniel photo
Commander Crystal Schaefer, the 72nd commander of the ship, surveys the waters with the Bunker Hill Monument in the background. Seth Daniel photo
Executive Officer Kylen D. Lemenager. Seth Daniel photo
Some of the Marine reenactors visit with the Boston skyline behind them on the cruise over to Conley Terminal. Seth Daniel photo
The Constitution’s colors flew in the brilliant, but cold sun. Seth Daniel photo
The 1812 Dragoons assigned to the USS Constitution – a group of re-enactors dedicated to the authentic look of the fighters assigned to the ship in the War of 1812 – take a break from the day’s activities prior to the mission. Seth Daniel photo
The USS Constitution’s 15-star flag flew proudly from the stern. Seth Daniel photo
As part of the ceremony, Commander Shaefer, and several sailors have a hearty “Hip, hip, Huzzah!” from the boat to those on land. Seth Daniel photo
From the deck of the USS Constitution, sailors from the new USS Massachusetts submarine can be seen lining up for the ceremonial commissioning. Seth Daniel photo
One of the sailors prepares to disembark from the ship out the window on the gun deck. Seth Daniel photo
One of the ship’s crew unwinds a rope used to fly the colors and the 15-star American flag. Seth Daniel photo
Crew members prepare to fly the ships colors from the bow and the stern ahead of the underway on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Seth Daniel photo
