⚓ Sister Ship Spotlight: USS President ⚓ Launched on April 10, 1800, USS President was one of the original six frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794—built to defend the young United States on the world’s seas. Constructed in New York by Christian Bergh, she quickly made her mark as the flagship for Commodore Richard Dale during the Barbary Wars, sailing proudly in the Mediterranean. In the years leading up to the War of 1812, USS President patrolled the Atlantic, captured enemy ships, and even clashed with HMS Little Belt in 1811—an incident that further strained relations with Britain. When war broke out in 1812, USS President was at the forefront. She pursued HMS Belvidera in one of the first naval actions of the war, fought across the Atlantic and the West Indies, and took multiple prizes along the way. But in January 1815, while under the command of Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr., USS President was captured after a fierce battle with a British squadron off New York. She ...