August 31, 2013

USCGC EAGLE


Wikipedia tells us, “The USCGC Eagle (WIX-327) (ex-SSS Horst Wessel) is a 295-foot (90 m) barque used as a training cutter for future officers of the United States Coast Guard. She is the only active commissioned steel hulled sailing vessel in American military service. She is the seventh U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship to bear the name in a line dating back to 1792.  Each summer, Eagle conducts cruises with cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy and candidates from the Officer Candidate School for periods ranging from a week to two months.

 
Stern and masts, 2008.

Just like a ten year old with a new skateboard, I was literally thrilled to go aboard the USCGC Eagle in 2008.  While WWII had meant the end of so many beautiful ships, most of Hitler’s training barques survived the war.

Triple wheels at the helm station.

Wikipedia continues, “At the end of the war in June 1946 a U.S. Coast Guard crew, assisted by the German captain and crew still aboard, sailed her from Bremerhaven, through a hurricane, to Orangeburg, New York. The German volunteer crew was disembarked at Camp Shanks and the Eagle proceeded to her new home port of New London, Connecticut.”

Galley.

A good use for an eagle bowsprit.


Life is Really in the Footnotes:
  • Himself:  Started work at seven, took me to the doctor’s office, went right back to work, and got his eight hours in.  Cooked me a burger with everything before hauling all the BBQ stuff to the meeting.  Did the cooking as the grillmaster didn’t show.
  • Herself:  The improvement out of diapers is great.  Probably a reaction to the catheter.  One more month to normalcy.   Walked farther, enjoyed all but the 94 degree temps at the beach.  (34,44444444444).  Shopping for shorts today.
  • Reading:  Knox.
  • Balance:  My toe is still keeping  me slowed down.
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    7 comments:

    1. I'm glad to hear you recuperating so well! And you didn't fool me; I recognize degrees Celsius. ;)

      That's a beautiful boat/ship. I never knew it was so close to home.

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    2. Well, I went to OD to sign in and it sat there staring at me... sooo frustrating. Then I went to WordPress and couldn't figure out how to start a new entry. So here I am, reading you and you've obviously got it down pat... I'm off to sew. THAT I can do!

      Huggers, T

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    3. Your personal history adds so much nuance to these ship photos and tours that most of us miss. I did tell you that I have something about submarines...do not know why or what as I would never go on one...but I have seen every submarine movie ever made...that was made in English.

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    4. Thanks for the visit and history via your archives.

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    5. What a beautiful vessel! I love the eagle she wears...and yes, the guy above the bowsprit is making good use of it as a place to talk on his cell. :)

      It's always good to hear of your physical progress, and to hear that "himself" is taking care of you and still managing his life, too.

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    6. I enjoyed the tour aboard the Horst Vessel. Excellent photos. I wish I had taken a camera when I toured the Missouri in 1968. Love old ships. Dianne

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    7. Gorgeous photos, Mage! The ship is in such great condition.

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