America is celebrating its 248th Independence Day on July 4, 2023. This episode’s weapon of the week will take a look at some patriotically themed vessels, vehicles and weapons that the U.S. military has accrued over the years.
The USS Constitution — also known as Old Ironsides — is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and named by the nation’s first president, George Washington. The USS Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and was most recently operated under its own power in 2012.
Next up is the USS Washington, named after the state. The USS Washington is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. The submarine is the seventh craft to carry the name, and has the motto “Preserving Peace, Prepared for War,” derived from a quote from George Washington.
Measuring in at 844 feet long is the USS America, an America-class amphibious assault ship. Commissioned in 2014, it is the Navy’s fourth ship to sail under the name. The USS America is built to lead an expeditionary strike group and can carry nearly 1,700 Marines.
Another example is the USS Freedom, launched in 2008 with a home port in San Diego. The Freedom is the third ship to carry the name. This littoral combat ship sailed for 13 years before being decommissioned in 2021 and placed in reserve status. Because of its specific mission, the Freedom’s hull is made of wood and fiberglass to avoid triggering magnetic mines.
One final example from the Navy is the USS Patriot. The Patriot is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship launched in 1990 and commissioned in 1991.
While the Navy and Marine Corps appear to be the most prolific with the patriotic-themed names, the Air Force and Army have a few to their credit as well.
The B-24 Liberator was produced for just four years but still left its mark on American history. Used primarily over the skies of Europe and the Pacific during World War II, the B-24 was a heavy bomber and holds the record as the world’s most produced multi-engine bomber, with over 18,000 rolling off the production line.
Born from lessons learned early in the Vietnam War, the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fills a large role in America’s defense plans. The Eagle is a twin-engine all-weather fighter jet. During the first Gulf War, the Eagle was responsible for 36 of 39 Air Force air-to-air victories over Iraqi forces.
Finally is the Army’s MIM-104 Patriot, a surface-to-air missile system. Built by Raytheon, the Patriot is one of the Department of Defense’s first defense systems to use lethal autonomy. Notably, the Patriot was used in 1991 when Iraq launched dozens of Scud missiles at Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Patriot intercepted 41 of 42 missiles off target.
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