What is the only active ship in the US Navy to have captured and sunk an enemy vessel?

The USS Constitution, a three masted frigate, launched on October 21, 1797, has the distinction of being the only active ship within the United States Navy to have sunk and captured an enemy vessel.

The USS Constitution is one of the original six frigates constructed under the Naval Act of 1794. This act called for the reactivation of a navy, disbanded after the American Revolution, and for a permanent standing navy. The need for a standing navy became clear after Muslim pirates from the Barbary States had continually captured and ransomed American merchant vessels. Even after an accord had been reached between the United States and Algiers, the necessity of a standing navy became even clearer when Revolutionary France began to seize American merchant vessels.

The USS Constitution had a distinguished war service record. She served in the Quasi-War against France (1798-1800) and the First Barbary War (1801-1805). Her most notable service was in the War of 1812, when she won several notable victories against the British Navy. She defeated and captured the HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cynae, and Levant. These victories provided a much need moral uplift during a period of several reversals on the land.

She was decommissioned several times but her very longevity ensured her survival. The USS Constitution has been on permanent commission since 1940. She is moored in Boston and manned by active naval personnel.