 Welcome to All Hands Update. This is your weekly update on Navy history. Our founding fathers signed the Constitution of the United States of America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, replacing the Articles of Confederation. The USS Constitution, named in honor of this document, is launched in 1797 and to date is the oldest commissioned U.S. Navy ship in service. Mayor Island, California became the first permanent U.S. Naval installation on the West Coast with commander David Farragut as its first commanding officer. After a bill signed by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1947, the National Security Act becomes effective. The Act realigned and reorganized the U.S. armed forces, foreign policy, and intelligence community apparatus in the aftermath of World War II. The Act merged the Department of War and the Department of the Navy into the National Military Establishment headed by the Secretary of Defense, Admiral James Forestall. If you enjoyed these facts and would like to know more, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website.