USS Constitution To Be Dry Docked For Renovations

BOSTON (CBS) - The USS Constitution, the nation's oldest commissioned Navy warship, will be undergoing significant restorations starting Monday.

A dry dock at Charlestown Navy Yard, where the ship is housed, will be flooded Sunday morning at 8.

In a press statement released Saturday night, U.S. Navy Commander Paul Brawley says the caisson will be removed from the dock about 11 a.m.

Lines will be placed at the site between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Temporary lighting is also expected to be installed at 2:30 p.m.

The USS Constitution is scheduled to arrive Monday at 10:20 p.m.

The ship was built to last 15-to-20 years but has sustained for more than 200 years thanks to regular maintenance.

The majority of the work to the ship will be done to parts under the water. It will be open to tourists while the two-year project is underway.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports: