USS Constitution's 'original ship' misunderstanding

The USS Constitution, berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, is often described as the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, which is true; however, some popular accounts imply the vessel is entirely unchanged since the early 19th century. In reality the ship has undergone numerous restorations and repairs over two centuries, with replacement of planking, frames, and other structural elements as part of standard preservation. Historians and conservators describe the Constitution as continuously maintained and restored while retaining substantial original fabric in certain components.