One Tank Trips: The Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle In New London
NEW LONDON, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - A tall ship with a rich history could be just the thing for you and your family this summer, as WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports in the latest One Tank Trips installment.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle is a sight to behold.
"It's 295 feet from the tip of the stern all the way to tip of the bow. And the masts, the forward two masts, the main and the fore-mast are 145 feet high," operations officer Chris Hensley told Xirinachs. "She's one of the biggest in America."
One Tank Trips: The Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle In New London
Known as "America's Tall Ship," the Eagle's home port is in New London, Connecticut at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
It's often moored in New London's downtown city pier for public viewing.
"So if you look at the history of the Eagle as sort of the history of our nation, it's just that maritime history of our nation is really rich in it," said Captain Raymond Pulver.
Taken from Nazi Germany as a war reparation in 1946, the Eagle now serves as a training vessel for cadets, but visitors are awed by her majesty.
"You know, everyone reacts very similarly. They're just kind of in awe when they first step on board, you know, when visitors come on board. But I think they get kind of a good feel for it as they walk about the decks of the Eagle," Palmer said.
Make sure she's in port when you visit. But this is a one tank trip you will never regret.
"The ship is just a beautiful example of our maritime heritage and a beautiful piece of our past, American past," said visitor Mike Lamporeli.
For more information, visit the ship's website or call 860-439-1562.
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