Recently, our team with the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston reinstalled USS Constitution’s wheel aboard the ship, restoring a vital symbol of command and seamanship to Old Ironsides. While the wheel currently on board is not the ship’s original, records dating back to 1804 show that USS Constitution began her service with a single wheel. By 1808, during repairs, a Midshipman noted that four Sailors were needed to operate it, leading to the addition of a double wheel for greater control. The wheel in use today was installed in 1988 and has faithfully served the ship ever since. Stop by USS Constitution to see her for yourself as we prepare for Sail 250! #USSConstitution #OldIronsides #NavalHistory #USNavy #AmericasNavy