"Old Ironsides" was a ship in the US Navy in the War of 1812. Her actual name was the USS Constitution, but she got her nickname when a cannonball hit her side in battle and did not penetrate the wood. The US Navy, especially "Old Ironsides" who was undefeated in all her battles, was a major reason for the success of the United States in the War of 1812. She is now a museum, located in the Charleston Navy Yard, Boston, MA.
The USS Constitution, often referred to as "Old Ironsides," is not used for active military service primarily because it serves as a museum ship and a symbol of American naval history. Built in 1797, it is preserved for educational purposes and public tours, highlighting its historical significance rather than functioning in modern naval operations. Additionally, the ship's wooden construction and age make it unsuitable for contemporary combat or naval missions.