BOSTON (AP) — The USS Constitution is sailing in Boston Harbor to celebrate its 222nd birthday and the U.S. Navy's birthday.
The ship is scheduled to go from Charlestown Navy Yard Friday morning to Fort Independence on Castle Island and fire a 21-gun salute.
The event celebrates the birthday of "Old Ironsides," the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, and the Navy's 244th birthday.
Cmdr. Nathaniel Shick, the Constitution's commanding officer, says the ship has served the country with distinction and he's honored to celebrate its legacy.
The ship will turn around and return, firing another salute as it passes Coast Guard Sector Boston, the former site of the shipyard where the Constitution was built and launched in October 1797.
It's scheduled to reopen for free public tours Friday afternoon.
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