What Do Their Artifacts Now Have in Common?

Artifacts from eight (8) U. S. Navy ships were furnished by the Naval Historical Center for incorporation into a special feature. All together, the eight ships span most of the U.S. Navy's history.

Bits of vintage copper sheeting, spikes, hammock hooks and fragments came from 'Old Ironsides' (Constitution) and Constellation (post-revolutionary frigates). Likewise, other details came from the steamer Hartford (Admiral Farragut's flagship in the Civil War era); the USS Maine (battleship); USS Ranger (iron-hulled steamer/sailing ship); the USS Biloxi and USS Hancock (World War II-era cruiser and aircraft carrier, respectively); and a last-minute addition from today's Navy, the National Defense Service Medal.

Note that most of ships had also earlier and/or later represntations of their name by other naval vessels of different classes. The fourth USS Maine, for instance, is SSBN-741. It just would not seem right, however, if a uniquely submarine name were not included with the seven (7) ships named above.

So, Question #1(a): Name the submarine whose artifacts were incorporated for this special project. (Hint: Three other U.S. submarines have shared the same christening name with the one whose artifacts were actually used).

Question #1(b): Why do you suppose that particular submarine's artifacts were chosen?

Question #2: What feature, on display in Washington, D.C. incorporates artifacts from the eight (8) ships? (Hint: An award naming the feature has been presented to sea service veterans who have distinguished themselves, including: Eddie Albert, Ernest Borgnine, Jonathan Winters, Roger T. Staubach, Tony Curtis, and James A. Michener).

Answers #1(a), 1(b) and #2, tomorrow.