Previous ships called Independence: Difference between revisions

[[Image:USS Independence 1815.jpg|left|200px|The first ship-of-the-line; USS Independence]] The third ship to bear the name, this Independence was the first ship of the line commissioned by the US Navy. Launched on 22nd June 1814, during the War of 1812, she immediately saw action alongside the frigate USS Constitution defending the approaches to Boston Harbor. Upon the conclusion of the conflict, Independence sailed to the Mediterranean as part of a task force of 10 ships in the [[wp:Second Barbary War|Second Barbary War]]. The flagship of Commodore Bainbridge, conflict had ceased before Independence reached the region. Modifications in 1836 reduced the ship size as Independence became a Frigate. She was one of the largest and fastest frigates in the US Navy, setting a record for fastest trans-Atlantic crossing in May/June 1837. In following decades, she twice served as flagship of the Pacific Squadron, including during the Mexican-American War. Indy was present for both the capture of Guaymas in October 1947 and the occupation of Mazatlán a month later. By the end of the 1850's, she was serving as a receiving ship at Mare Island Navy Yard; a role she continued in until she was finally decommissioned in 1912. Independence was sold in 1914 and scrapped the following year. Over the course of the 98 years that she was in commission, she served as flagship for no fewer than 7 Commodores.