The USS Constitution once again set sail across Boston Harbor on Thursday in honor of Independence Day.

The world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat fired salutes and hosted members of the public, who sailed alongside Constitution’s active-duty sailors. (A lottery selected a group of people to join the crew for turnaround trips around the harbor.)

The USS Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides” and America’s Ship of State, was launched in 1797 and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars in the early 1800s, and famously in the War of 1812 — earning the Old Ironsides nickname when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. It actively defended sea lanes from 1797 to 1855 and was undefeated in 33 at-sea engagements.

Constitution remains both a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy, served by active-duty sailors, as well as an educational experience for visitors. The ship is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It hosts more than 600,000 people a year in support of the mission to promote the Navy’s history and maritime heritage and raise awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

previous coverage

• USS Constitution set to sail in Boston for July 4th holiday 
• Here’s your chance to set sail with the crew of ‘Old Ironsides’ on July 4