We have a busy cruise season this year with two port visits in addition to our regular schedule (Norfolk in 3 weeks and NYC in September). The Captain announced 2 training days (April 16 and 23rd) and required all who were planning on cruising this year to attend at least one of the events. Crew members came from as far away as Maine, NY, Pa, De and Ga, and a good turnout was seen. Most of the first training on the 16th was actually cleaning and work on the ship, from the engine room to the deck department to the electricians. The captain actually roamed the ship with a list of things that needed to be done, from organizing linen lockers and other storage spaces, to getting things, like the #2 tweendeck and the newest addition (a lifeboat), painted. Here are some shots of some of the things that occurred before lunch.
Trying to maximize the numbers on board the ship in an organized way, lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs and salads was served at 1130 for the crew. Some of the more glamorous shots of engineers in the shaft alley or this photographer cleaning and organizing the slop room, were fortunately NOT captured.
The big event on Saturday's training was the long meeting, where abandon ship, security issue and medical emergencies aboard the ship were covered. This was also a chance for the captain to go over procedures and policies from everything from badges to TWIC cards as well as giving out the most up to date details about our planned trips to Norfolk and NYC. Finally, a new docent manual was given out to all crew, to help with tours and also giving directions on our blue-line-tour (self guided).
On April 23rd, there were some similarities (the same meeting was held by the Captain for those who had not been on the ship on the 16th). But the ship was a bit more chaotic. We had a previously scheduled model shoot that morning, as well as a tour by 3 WWII vets and their families (LCT FLOTILLAS of WWII).
We also had an abandon ship drill and our watchful crew were able to spot 'suspicious' packages found in places on the deck (to practice our security plan). We have so much more to do in terms of preparation for Norfolk and the rest of the cruising season but we are, as usual, doing lots of training and preparation for the visit. If you are in the Virginia area and plan on taking the Norfolk cruise, please note that the last day to order tickets is May 7. See you next Wednesday for that blog.
Project Liberty Ship, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization engaged in the preservation and operation of the historic ship JOHN W. BROWN as a living memorial museum. Gifts to Project Liberty Ship are tax deductible
