The majestic USS Constitution set sail for its annual turnaround in Boston Harbor on the Fourth of July, along with a 21-gun salute at Castle Island.

Old Ironsides goes underway in Boston Harbor at various times each year, including on July 4 as she celebrated the United States’ 248th birthday on Thursday.

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. She played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

Old Ironsides fires a 21-gun salute as the USS Constitution turns around at Castle Island. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Red, White and Blue were the colors of the day for spectators. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BBQ and snacks were on the menu as the USS Constitution turns around at Castle Island. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
A dad protects his daughter’s ears from the 21-gun salute. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)