Final answer:
Oliver Wendell Holmes viewed the U.S. Constitution as a living document that must adapt to contemporary needs, though his thoughts on the USS Constitution ship specifically are not detailed in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering what Oliver Wendell Holmes thought about the USS Constitution, it's important to distinguish between Holmes' views on the physical ship known as 'Old Ironsides' and his philosophy regarding the U.S. Constitution as a living document.
The USS Constitution was hailed as a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity, particularly after it outmaneuvered British ships in 1812 and achieved a dramatic victory against the HMS Guerriere.
Holmes, however, as a jurist, opined on the Constitution of the United States, arguing that the law must adapt to 'felt necessities of the time' rather than adhering strictly to its original text.