Thursday, 4:30 PM
Navy: 'Loss of confidence' prompts removal of USS Constitution commander
By Bryan Bender, Globe Staff
The US Navy relieved the commander of the USS Constitution today because of a "loss of confidence," according to a Navy spokesman.
Commander Thomas C. Graves was removed as the senior officer of the 18th century wooden frigate moored in Charlestown Navy Yard effective immediately, said Commander Jeff Davis. David declined to provide further details about why Graves, who took command in July 2005, was being removed.
The Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," was ordered to be built in Boston by President George Washington and was commissioned in 1797.
The ship first saw action in the Barbary Wars and was used as a training vessel during the Civil War.
While no longer part of the active fleet, the USS Constitution has an operational commander and crew. It remains a popular tourist destination in Boston Harbor.
