Which of the following is NOT one of the original six frigates of the US Navy?

The Independence is indeed not one of the original six frigates of the US Navy, making it the correct answer. The six original frigates, established by the Naval Act of 1794, included the United States, Constellation, President, Congress, Chesapeake, and Confederacy.

The Independence, while significant in the Navy's history, was actually commissioned later and does not belong to this foundational group. The original six frigates were critical in establishing the early strength of the US Navy and played vital roles in various conflicts, particularly in protecting trade and deterring piracy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Understanding the legacy of these frigates helps appreciate the evolution of naval power in the United States.