Liberty Ship

John W. Brown

June 2007

Several months ago I saw an ad for day cruise aboard the John W. Brown out of Baltimore.  We had seen the Brown out on the Chesapeake Bay during our sailing days but had never been aboard.  This was our chance so I made the reservations for the June trip.  As luck would have it the weather was absolutely PERFECT!!

When you board the ship you are welcomed to the 1940's.  All manor of military displays were visible along with re-enactors dressed in period clothing.  Both military and civilian people were walking about.  We started with a continental breakfast then took a walk around the ship while the crew prepared for departure.

Little did we know that some dignitaries were coming aboard for the cruise.  The first to arrive was General Douglas MacArthur who pulled up to the gangway in a jeep with his entourage.  After boarding he spoke to the passengers for a couple minutes.

A little while later an open car drove up with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor.  An announcement was made not to photograph the President while he was in his wheelchair.  Once aboard he was helped to the podium while the band played "Hail to the Chief".  Once at the podium he spoke to the passengers.

Also aboard:  Abbott and Costello, Rosie the Riveter, and the "Crabtowne Big Band" with vocals by the Classy Ladies of "Stardust Memories", and "The Old Salts of Calliope" barbershop quartet.

Tug boats arrived to pull the ship away from the dock and we eventually headed out into the Chesapeake Bay.  Our course took us below the Bay Bridge at which time battle stations were sounded.  Two Japanese fighters made several passes at the ship while the ship's guns were fired in defense.  Eventually a couple American fighters arrived (P-51D Mustang and a P40E Warhawk) to give chase but not before the gunners successfully hit the Japanese planes.  They flew off trailing smoke.  The "good guys" won the day.  After the fighters left a B-25J Mitchell Bomber "Briefing Time" made several passes over the ship.

Following the aerial demonstration there was a brief memorial service before heading back to port.  All of this made for an absolutely AMAZING experience......

Here is a sample of the 300+ images we took.  Click on any of the pictures for a larger view....

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