Sorry bout the title, but couldn't resist
I am not talking babies of course, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say! (This is kind of a follow up story from my C.G. Boston, visit.) I had snooped around Boston docks a couple of weeks ago, as i may have mentioned. At that time there was only 1 CG Cutter in port at the Boston Location. I got a few good shots, along the harbor walkways, never in a million years, knowing that the following week, i would actually be invited on the Base, itself!
The #907 "Escanaba". Last week could not of gone by any slower, i was so anxious for Saturday to come. I didn't know what to expect, and was hoping at least that this vessel, may still be in port. When i entered the gates, after getting the Pass, as i mentioned in the earlier story, i was quite thrilled to see not only one Cutter, but two! The Second was the #906, "Seneca" docked at the next dock.
I have since learned, she had just come in from a tour on the previous Wednesday. But before i could get closer views of these two babies, i was escorted into headquarters, to meet my good friend, Chief B. The Chief gave me and Phil , a brief tour of the building, his personal office, and another area, which had some real goodies on display, a Fresnel lense, a ships bell, a Lyle Cannon etc. I didn't expect to see these items here, but enjoyed seeing them. Within headquarters looking out over the entire premises, was quite a site. Overlooking the Boston Harbor, The Frigate Constitution, (Old Ironsides), Bunker Hill, and the yard itself, full of Channel Marker buoys, smaller tenders, and the two Cutters. What a view! While enjoying the view from different floor levels, as we were guided by the Chief, in comes a Third Cutter, with a Tug cruising close to her side. We stopped to see her dock, between the other two of her kind. She came to a full stop, swung around a bit, pulled in Bow first, slowly, snuggling up to the dock, with the ever presence of the Tug. Finally berthed, the Tug giving a little nudge, keeping her tight against the dock, so the lines could be snugged properly. What a sight, now, Three, 270 foot Cutters, side by side. No big deal to those stationed here, but it was to me! The Chief informed me, this class of vessel is older, being built in the 60's, but updated continually, is going to be phased out,with an updated, more modern vessel. I'm sure, faster, more economical, and more computerized! The Third vessel , #909 "Campbell" is out of Portsmouth Naval Base, in Kittery Maine. Ironically i was there about 3 or 4 weeks ago, snapping pictures, from across Portsmouth Harbor, again, not expecting to see the same vessel in Boston!
So...Here they are together..
This building was built to look like the Bridge of a ship...
And here is a Buoy "farm" where they are refurbished for a tough duty, guiding Mariners into the proper Channels!
Remember...... Right / Red / Return !! A little history about the "ESCANABA" ......She is the second vessel to earn the distinction of bearing the name. Her predecessor was built in 1932 in Michigan. Derived from the Native American word, meaning "flat rock, named for the city and river, ESCANABA . During WWII June 13, 1943,she was lost with all hands in the Atlantic, except for two mighty lucky crewmembers!! Seaman First Class Raymond O'Malley and Boatswains Mate Second Class Melvin Baldwin. 101 men lost!! All that remains of her, is the Mast, a Lifeboat, and couple of smaller items, on display in the City of Grand Haven, as part of a Memorial. Her namesake carries on traditions... The Newer "Escanaba" recalls the heroic actions of the predecessor with the ship's motto "The Spirit Lives On" . With this in mind, a special tradition is upheld around the motto. Every year on that anniversary of the sinking, the entire ships crew assembles on deck for ceremony honoring the sacrifice of the first "Escanaba's" crew. The same day, the current Captain of the "Escanaba" calls either by phone or radio, the remaining survivor , Mr. Raymond O'Malley, whether at Sea or Port, to report to Mr. O'Malley , the health of the crew, the ship, and to their commitment that "The Spirit Lives On"! Now that i must say is ALL AMERICAN!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2009 06:29PM by Wayne in BC.
.the coast guard guys get a treat,it would be extremely hard for a civilian to maintain a ship like that,at least cost wise.better enjoy it while the can.
