what is the name of the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat?
For similarly named ships, principles of government, and other uses, see Constitution (disambiguation). USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America. She is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. Constitution was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.