Combat· First Barbary War
Constellation vs 9 Tripolitan gunboats
The frigate USS Constellation is credited with engaging a group of Tripolitan gunboats off the North African coast in 1802, with her Marines adding musket and small-arms fire.
A regular frigate's heavier guns gave her a decisive advantage over the light, oar-driven gunboats that Tripoli favored for swarm attacks in coastal waters, and the enemy craft were driven off. The action illustrated the basic mismatch the Tripolitans faced whenever their gunboats came within reach of an American frigate's broadside in open water.
Record no. 205