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A bit of military history made its way through Boston Harbor over the weekend when the USS Constitution, more commonly known as Old Ironsides, sailed under its own power for only the second time in 131 years. The legendary warship, the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world that's afloat, was in town to mark the 200th anniversary of one of its most famous battles, The Boston Globe reports.

The event, which saw the ship sail for about 17 minutes, was meant to recognize Old Ironsides' victory over the HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812, the battle which earned the ship its famous nickname. The vessel also sailed under its own power in 1997 to mark its 200th anniversary.

Old Ironsides was sailed by Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Jason Keith, who has been serving on board the ship since 2009. In all his time with the Constitution, the most recent trip was one of the most rewarding experiences.

"I've given tours to thousands of people, shined brass for hundreds of hours, and I've climbed the rigging to set and furl these sails over and over again," he said in a statement. "But sailing USS Constitution on Aug. 19, 2012 is one of the greatest honors I've had in my naval career, and I'm truly proud to be a part of this history."

Though it rarely takes the the seas anymore, Old Ironsides welcomes about 500,000 visitors every year who learn about the ship's impressive history.