Which vessel is recognized as the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy?

The USS Constitution is recognized as the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy, having been launched in 1797. It played a significant role in the early United States Navy and is famously known as "Old Ironsides." The ship's historical importance is underscored by its active service during the Quasi-War with France, the First Barbary War, and the War of 1812. It is not only the oldest commissioned vessel but also serves as a symbol of American naval heritage and resilience.

The USS Constitution remains a commissioned ship and is preserved as a museum ship in Boston, Massachusetts, where it is open to the public. This longevity and its continuing commission status are what distinguish it from other naval vessels listed in the options. The USS Virginia, USS Enterprise, and USS Lexington, while notable in their own right, do not have the same historical significance regarding their commissioning dates or ongoing status within the Navy.