Baltimore's Historic Liberty Ship Comes To The Inner Harbor For 4 Days
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- She's a piece of living history, and for the next four days, you'll have a chance to see her at the Inner Harbor. The John W. Brown is one of only two liberty ships still sailing today.
Ron Matz reports her home is Baltimore, where a group of volunteers is keeping this living museum in operating condition.
The John W. Brown made a dramatic entrance. She sailed into the Inner Harbor, a city fireboat at her side, all 441 feet of her.
The historic ship was built at Baltimore's Bethlehem Fairfield Shipyard and launched in 1942. She was one of the heroes of World War II.
"She made 13 trips to the Mediterranean and was involved in the invasion of southern France as part of the Italian campaign," said Captain Richard Bauman of the John W. Brown.
She fell into disrepair until a dedicated group of Project Liberty Ship volunteers brought her to Baltimore.
"She was scheduled for scrap in the Reserve Fleet in Norfolk, but guys got together, put a plan together, and they've been very successful," said Mike Efford, volunteer docking pilot on the ship. "They saved her."
"We've been running living history cruises out of Baltimore since 1991," said Bauman.
Seeing her arrive was a thrill for many.
The John Brown's all-volunteer crew has sailed her more than 23,000 miles, visiting 29 ports in the U.S. and Canada.
"Last month there were over 4,000 volunteer hours. I believe the volunteer hour count is up to around 1.7 million. It's a program that is supported tremendously and solely by the owners and operators and the people who wish well of these old ships," said Bauman.
The U.S. Post Office will issue a "Forever" stamp in honor of the John W. Brown and the Merchant Marines Friday.
The ship will be docked at the west wall of the Inner Harbor through Sunday.
Click here for more information on visiting hours.
