Do you know anyone who served on the old sailing ship Constellation?

Question

just wondering, my father served aboard her when she was in Newport Rhode Island during world war 11, she was temporary flagship of the fleet.

Now a museum in Batltimore Inner Harbor

Answer 1

On May 21, 1941, Constellation was designated "relief flagship" of Admiral Ernest J. King, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. With King's appointment as Chief of Naval Operations at the beginning of America's involvement in World War II, Constellation continued in this capacity under Vice Admiral Royal Ingersoll, and alternately, as relief flagship of Battleship Division Five.

Vice Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll

in the cabin of his flagship, circa 1942

"Personally, I have never had a more enjoyable time on any ship."

  Admiral Royal Ingersoll - in the Baltimore Sun, February 28, 1943.

Because the Atlantic Fleet was a large force conducting operations over thousands of miles, Admiral Ingersoll was frequently away directing operations from far-flung naval bases. Use of Constellation for the Admiral's living quarters and for coordinating the fleet's vast communications network allowed the designated flagship, the cruiser Augusta, not to be burdened with such tasks while being actively engaged.

Constellation's World War II skipper was Lieutenant Commander John Davis. A retired officer recalled to active duty, Davis had been awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Spanish - American War.

Ingersoll's WWII Atlantic Fleet Senior Staff

Following World War II Constellation left her berth in Newport for the last time, and was towed to the Boston Navy Yard to be placed in "ordinary" (the equivalent of a steel ship being put in "mothballs'). In 1954 Constellation, thought by many to be the namesake frigate, was moved to Baltimore in a "floating dry-dock" for restoration and preservation as an historic shrine by a private, non-profit patriotic organization.

Answer 2

You may want to contact Christopher Rowsom, Executive Director at 410-539-1797 ext. 402 or  by e-mail  [e-mail] , he may be able to provide some of the crew members that served during that time period or point you to where you may find them.

A grand ship indeed and carries a lot of history and pride.