Above: The USS Constitution’s 15-star flag flew proudly from the stern. Seth Daniel photo
The nation’s oldest commissioned naval vessel, the USS Constitution, America’s Ship of State, made the short journey across Boston Harbor last Saturday morning to welcome the US Navy’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Massachusetts, to the fleet.
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I was on board the Constitution along with its crew and a group of Marine re-enactors dressed in period uniforms from the 19th century, when “Old Ironsides” was most active in protecting the United States across the globe.
I’d been aboard Constitution for a handful of “under ways” over the years and most of them took on a party-like atmosphere in warmer months. But on this bone-chilling Saturday in March 2026, there was a more serious tone.
The old ship was obliged to stay in place for about 45 minutes in waters just off Conley Terminal, where the Massachusetts was docked and then fire off a “three-gun salute” to bring the submarine into service.
“Standby, we have some speeches, then you’re on,” sounded a low voice, followed by punctuated beeps over walkie-talkies. The coordination was exacting, and when the time came, the boat held in position perfectly, the cannons fired off, and the crew gave a perfect salute.
Mission accomplished.
In another contrast, just a few miles away, tens of thousands gathered on Boston Common for a No Kings protest. Gov. Maura Healey, who was front and center for the USS Massachusetts commissioning ceremony, addressed the No Kings crowd as well that day.
The contrast in world view and method couldn’t have been more different between the two events, but there was room enough in the city for both to happen at the same time. Both exist because of one another and I got that sense aboard the Constitution last Saturday.
Throughout last weekend’s naval ceremonies, I was struck most by the sailors. Most were in their early 20s, some only 19 — young enough to be my children. I think many of us mistakenly think that young people can’t handle a lot of things, that they are in over their heads in most instances.
We might believe, perhaps, that these sailors made a mistake in signing up to serve in the military, let alone on a submarine that is prepared for war.
But, as one officer pointed out to me: A 19-year-old on a sub crew, or anywhere in the Navy, isn’t cut from the same cloth as other 19-year-olds in high school or college. Indeed. They are patriotic, lovers of America, and they fully understand the potential of sacrifice for country and “execute their orders,” no matter how dangerous. Most of us probably aren’t that courageous.
The young people I saw were capable and confident and I’ll sleep better having met them, knowing they are out there somewhere in the deep protecting us, and each of our differing viewpoints.
