The USS Constitution. "Old Ironsides" has a unique connection to Indiana.

[Cameramonkey]

Ever wonder why Crane is so big? Its not just about ammo storage. Now its about white oak trees. We maintain a forest of white oak trees to service Old Ironsides.

Really cool!

 

[daddyusmaximus]

 

[KokomoDave]

I had no idea! I was mad they wouldn't hire me when I got done with active duty that I was done with CNWB.

 

[edporch]

I thought the USS Constitution used Live Oak trees that grow in Georgia?

 

[rob63]

I knew the Navy maintained a forest for this purpose, but had absolutely no idea it was in Indiana! It's funny, being a native Hoosier from the northern cornfields it never crossed my mind as a likely location for the Navy forest. Neat to know!

 

[KellyinAvon]

I think the question is, what do they NOT do at Crane NSWC?

 

[Creedmoor]

I think the question is, what do they NOT do at Crane NSWC?

What are ship building and drydocks. Crain is large, but it ain't Norfolk.

 

[KellyinAvon]

What are ship building and drydocks. Crain is large, but it ain't Norfolk.

The traffic ain’t as bad either.

 

[actaeon277]

The traffic ain’t as bad either.

Try driving in to Norfolk Naval Base, in the morning, right before Christmas when most of the ships are in port.
Ugh.
And in a manual transmission.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

This sounds like a job I’d like.

 

[ghuns]

I thought the USS Constitution used Live Oak trees that grow in Georgia?

The hull of the USS Constitution was originally made of white oak and live oak. The hull consisted of three layers with the outer and inner horizontal layers being made of white oak and the center vertical layer being made of live oak.

https://historyofmassachusetts.org/...t=The hull of the USS,being made of live oak.
Construction of the USS Constitution

 

[ghuns]

And those outer white oak 'planks' are like 4-8" thick.

White oak is great for this because it's strong, rot resistant, and you can get very long straight boards. Live oak is super dense and strong, but is used in places it can be joined because it don't grow straight.

 

[KokomoDave]

Try driving in to Norfolk Naval Base, in the morning, right before Christmas when most of the ships are in port.
Ugh.
And in a manual transmission.

I am a westcoaster and 32nd St Navsta San Diego was a zoo during Christmas.

 

[actaeon277]

I am a westcoaster and 32nd St Navsta San Diego was a zoo during Christmas.

Well, each carrier in port is around 3.5k sailors, just for ship's complement.
Then, if the air squadrons are based nearby, then add another thousand or so.

Then, throw in complements for the cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and auxiliaries.
Then, the shore crew.
And the civilians.
And leadership with their support.

 

[actaeon277]

 

[Leadeye]

White oak also makes excellent whiskey barrels.

 

[cosermann]

Yep, Constitution Grove. Ate lunch there, one day and years ago during a kid’s field trip

 

[Noble Sniper]

That is very interesting I had no idea!!! Thanks for the share

 

[edporch]

And those outer white oak 'planks' are like 4-8" thick.

White oak is great for this because it's strong, rot resistant, and you can get very long straight boards. Live oak is super dense and strong, but is used in places it can be joined because it don't grow straight.

I was down to Jekyll Island, Georgia about 20 years ago and saw the Live Oaks.
I even picked up some acorns from them, and still have them.
But research told me they won't grow this far north.

When on Jekyll Island, I read that the wood of the Live Oak is so hard, they had to re-sharpen the saw being used to cut it about every 20 minutes because the wood dulled it!

 

[BluePig]

Wagyu52 and I are are direct descendants of a gentleman named Issac Hull who was was at one time captain of the USS Constitution.
He was our 5th great uncle on my grandmother's side.
He had a battle with the British frigate HMS Guerriere where the Constitution earned the nickname Old Ironsides.
I have a few items from the ship.
First is a flag that was flown on the ship for a day.
Second is a pen that was made from the wood of the ship, the wood discussed in this post.
Third is a book on Issac Hull I acquired a while ago.
And finally the family Bible that was used to trace back to Issac Hull.
Thought INGO would enjoy these.